When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To metaphorize (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to metaphorize" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to metaphorize this concept to make it more relatable.
Metaphorizing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "metaphorizing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Metaphorizing allows us to convey deeper meanings.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To metaphorize (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To metaphorize is a creative way to express complex ideas.
To metaphorize is a creative way to express complex ideas.
- "*To metaphorize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative way to express complex ideas).
- 2Object
She wants me to metaphorize the story in her novel.
She wants me to metaphorize the story in her novel.
- "Me *to metaphorize* the story in her novel" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to metaphorize* the story in her novel).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need an example to metaphorize the concept.
I need an example to metaphorize the concept.
- "*To metaphorize* the concept" modifies the noun "example."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (an example *to metaphorize* the concept).
Metaphorizing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Metaphorizing is an essential tool for poets and writers.
Metaphorizing is an essential tool for poets and writers.
- "*Metaphorizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential tool for poets and writers).
- 2Object
I enjoy metaphorizing everyday situations in my stories.
I enjoy metaphorizing everyday situations in my stories.
- "*Metaphorizing* everyday situations in my stories" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*metaphorizing* everyday situations in my stories).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for metaphorizing abstract concepts.
She has a talent for metaphorizing abstract concepts.
- "For *metaphorizing* abstract concepts" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *metaphorizing* abstract concepts).
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
She plans to metaphorize the idea in her presentation tomorrow.
They hope to metaphorize their emotions through art during the exhibition.
He wants to metaphorize the struggle of life in his song lyrics.
We decided to metaphorize the relationship between humans and nature in our painting.
They agreed to metaphorize the conflict in their dance performance.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys metaphorizing her dreams into beautiful paintings.
They recommend metaphorizing personal experiences to engage readers.
I dislike the idea of metaphorizing scientific theories.
He avoids metaphorizing sensitive topics in his speeches.
Can you imagine yourself metaphorizing the wonders of the universe?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to metaphorize the mundane aspects of life. She likes metaphorizing the mundane aspects of life.
We started to metaphorize our thoughts and feelings. We started metaphorizing our thoughts and feelings.
He began to metaphorize the complexities of human nature. He began metaphorizing the complexities of human nature.
