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To Modify vs Modifying 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 modify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to modify the document before submitting it.

Modifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Modifying the document will improve its clarity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To modify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To modify is an essential skill for editors.

    To modify is an essential skill for editors.

    • "*To modify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill for editors).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to modify the design.

    She wants me to modify the design.

    • "Me *to modify* the design" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to modify* the design).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a software to modify images.

    He needs a software to modify images.

    • "*To modify* images" modifies the noun "software."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a software *to modify* images).

Modifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Modifying is an important step in the editing process.

    Modifying is an important step in the editing process.

    • "*Modifying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the editing process).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy modifying photographs.

    I enjoy modifying photographs.

    • "*Modifying* photographs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*modifying* photographs).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for modifying cars.

    He has a talent for modifying cars.

    • "For *modifying* cars" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *modifying* cars).

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 modify the schedule for the event.

I hope to modify the design according to their feedback.

She wants to modify the contract terms.

We decided to modify the layout of the website.

They agreed to modify the proposal based on the suggestions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys modifying recipes to make them healthier.

They recommend modifying the presentation for better engagement.

I dislike the process of modifying legal documents.

He avoids modifying the code directly.

Can you imagine yourself modifying your home decor?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to modify my workspace for better productivity. I like modifying my workspace for better productivity.

We started to modify the website layout. We started modifying the website layout.

He began to modify the settings of the application. He began modifying the settings of the application.

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