When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To notice (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to notice" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to notice the small details in the painting.
Noticing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "noticing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Noticing the small details can enhance your observation skills.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To notice (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To notice is important for developing observation skills.
To notice is important for developing observation skills.
- "*To notice*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for developing observation skills).
- 2Object
She wants me to notice her new hairstyle.
She wants me to notice her new hairstyle.
- "Me *to notice* her new hairstyle" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to notice* her new hairstyle).
- 3Adverb Modifier
I need to look closely to notice the hidden details.
I need to look closely to notice the hidden details.
- The infinitive phrase "to look closely *to notice* the hidden details" modifies the verb "need."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + infinitive phrase (to look closely *to notice* the hidden details).
Noticing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Noticing is a skill that can be developed over time.
Noticing is a skill that can be developed over time.
- "*Noticing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a skill that can be developed over time).
- 2Object
I enjoy noticing the changes in the scenery.
I enjoy noticing the changes in the scenery.
- "*Noticing* the changes in the scenery" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*noticing* the changes in the scenery).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for noticing small details.
She has a talent for noticing small details.
- "For *noticing* small details" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *noticing* small details).
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 notice any changes in the environment.
They hope to notice the beauty of nature during their hike.
He wants to notice the differences between the two paintings.
We decided to notice the patterns in the artwork.
They agreed to notice the details together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys noticing the expressions on people's faces.
They recommend regular noticing of your surroundings for mindfulness.
I dislike the feeling of not noticing important details.
He avoids noticing negative thoughts and focuses on positive aspects.
Can you imagine yourself noticing subtle changes in the environment?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to notice the little things in life. She likes noticing the little things in life.
We started to notice our surroundings more. We started noticing our surroundings more.
He began to notice the patterns in nature. He began noticing the patterns in nature.
