When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To matter (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to matter" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
It doesn't matter what others think of you.
Mattering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "mattering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Mattering to others is a fundamental human need.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To matter (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To matter is important for one's self-esteem.
To matter is important for one's self-esteem.
- "*To matter*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for one's self-esteem).
- 2Object
She wants her opinion to matter in the decision-making process.
She wants her opinion to matter in the decision-making process.
- "Her opinion *to matter* in the decision-making process" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + possessive pronoun (her) + noun phrase (opinion *to matter* in the decision-making process).
- 3Adverb Modifier
He spoke loudly to matter in the conversation.
He spoke loudly to matter in the conversation.
- "Loudly *to matter* in the conversation" modifies the verb "spoke."
- Noun (He) + verb (spoke) + adverb phrase (loudly *to matter* in the conversation).
Mattering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Mattering to others brings a sense of belonging.
Mattering to others brings a sense of belonging.
- "*Mattering* to others" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (a sense of belonging).
- 2Object
I appreciate mattering to my friends.
I appreciate mattering to my friends.
- "*Mattering* to my friends" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
- Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (*mattering* to my friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of not mattering to anyone.
She has a fear of not mattering to anyone.
- "Of not *mattering* to anyone" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of not *mattering* to anyone).
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
We decided to matter in this fight for justice.
I hope to matter in my community one day.
She wishes to matter to someone who truly appreciates her.
They refused to matter in the trivial gossip around them.
He pretends to matter to everyone, but deep down he feels lonely.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy mattering to their colleagues at work.
He avoids mattering to people who bring him down.
We consider mattering to be a basic human right.
Experts recommend mattering to others for overall well-being.
Do you mind mattering to those who truly care about you?
