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To Migrate vs Migrating Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To migrate (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to migrate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

The birds migrate to warmer climates during the winter.

Migrating (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "migrating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Migrating is a natural phenomenon observed in many species.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To migrate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To migrate is a natural instinct for many animals.

    To migrate is a natural instinct for many animals.

    • "*To migrate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural instinct for many animals).
  • 2Object

    We want the geese to migrate to our area.

    We want the geese to migrate to our area.

    • "The geese *to migrate* to our area" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (We) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the geese *to migrate* to our area).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a bigger cage to migrate freely.

    He needs a bigger cage to migrate freely.

    • "*To migrate* freely" modifies the noun "cage."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a bigger cage *to migrate* freely).

Migrating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Migrating can be a challenging journey for birds.

    Migrating can be a challenging journey for birds.

    • "*Migrating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a challenging journey for birds).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys migrating to different places every year.

    She enjoys migrating to different places every year.

    • "*Migrating* to different places every year" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*migrating* to different places every year).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for migrating with his flock.

    He has a passion for migrating with his flock.

    • "For *migrating* with his flock" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *migrating* with his flock).

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 plan to migrate to a different country next year.

I hope to migrate to a warmer climate in the future.

She decided to migrate with her family for better opportunities.

We want to migrate to a place with more resources.

They agreed to migrate as a group for safety.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy migrating to warmer climates during the winter.

Experts recommend migrating early in the season for better chances of survival.

Birds often avoid migrating through areas with strong storms.

Can you imagine yourself migrating thousands of miles each year?

Many species consider migrating to find better food sources.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to migrate to different countries. She likes migrating to different countries.

We started to migrate as a family. We started migrating as a family.

He began to migrate for better opportunities. He began migrating for better opportunities.

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