When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To miswrite (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to miswrite" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I promise to miswrite the letter if you want.
Miswriting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "miswriting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Miswriting can lead to confusion.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To miswrite (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To miswrite is a common mistake in English.
To miswrite is a common mistake in English.
- "*To miswrite*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common mistake in English).
- 2Object
She wants me to miswrite the document.
She wants me to miswrite the document.
- "Me *to miswrite* the document" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to miswrite* the document).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a pen to miswrite with.
I need a pen to miswrite with.
- "*To miswrite* with" modifies the noun "pen."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to miswrite* with).
Miswriting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Miswriting is a common problem among students.
Miswriting is a common problem among students.
- "*Miswriting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common problem among students).
- 2Object
I enjoy miswriting stories in my free time.
I enjoy miswriting stories in my free time.
- "*Miswriting* stories in my free time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*miswriting* stories in my free time).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for miswriting names.
She has a talent for miswriting names.
- "For *miswriting* names" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *miswriting* names).
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
He attempted to miswrite the answer on purpose.
They pretended to miswrite their names in the attendance sheet.
She chose to miswrite the email address by accident.
We determined to miswrite the code for security reasons.
I wish to miswrite my phone number on purpose.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids miswriting important information in his reports.
They consider miswriting as a sign of carelessness.
I recommend double-checking to avoid miswriting.
Do you mind miswriting the date on the invitation?
She resisted miswriting her notes during the exam.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to miswrite my diary entries. I like miswriting my diary entries.
They started to miswrite intentionally. They started miswriting intentionally.
He began to miswrite his name on purpose. He began miswriting his name on purpose.
