When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To marvel (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to marvel" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to marvel at the beauty of nature.
Marveling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "marveling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Marveling at the sunset is a breathtaking experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To marvel (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To marvel is a great way to appreciate the wonders of the world.
To marvel is a great way to appreciate the wonders of the world.
- "*To marvel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to appreciate the wonders of the world).
- 2Object
She wants me to marvel at her artwork.
She wants me to marvel at her artwork.
- "Me *to marvel* at her artwork" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to marvel* at her artwork).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a quiet place to marvel at the night sky.
I need a quiet place to marvel at the night sky.
- "*To marvel* at the night sky" modifies the noun "place."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to marvel* at the night sky).
Marveling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Marveling at the beauty of nature brings joy to my heart.
Marveling at the beauty of nature brings joy to my heart.
- "*Marveling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (joy to my heart).
- 2Object
I enjoy marveling at the intricate details of artwork.
I enjoy marveling at the intricate details of artwork.
- "*Marveling* at the intricate details of artwork" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*marveling* at the intricate details of artwork).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a deep appreciation for marveling at the wonders of the world.
She has a deep appreciation for marveling at the wonders of the world.
- "For *marveling* at the wonders of the world" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a deep appreciation for *marveling* at the wonders of the world).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
They hope to marvel at the Northern Lights during their trip.
He wants to marvel at the Grand Canyon from the helicopter.
We decided to marvel at the ancient ruins in Greece.
She chose to marvel at the works of art in the museum.
They determined to marvel at the natural wonders of the world.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys marveling at the beautiful landscapes during her travels.
They recommend regular marveling at works of art for inspiration.
He avoids marveling at the negative aspects of life.
Can you imagine yourself marveling at the wonders of the universe?
I understand the importance of marveling at small everyday moments.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to marvel at the achievements of others. She likes marveling at the achievements of others.
We began to marvel at the beauty of nature. We began marveling at the beauty of nature.
He continues to marvel at the wonders of the world. He continues marveling at the wonders of the world.
