When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To originate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to originate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
The idea to originate from a brainstorming session.
Originating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "originating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Originating a new idea requires creativity.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To originate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To originate a new theory requires extensive research.
To originate a new theory requires extensive research.
- "*To originate* a new theory" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (extensive research).
- 2Object
They want the project to originate from their department.
They want the project to originate from their department.
- "The project *to originate* from their department" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the project *to originate* from their department).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a creative idea to originate a successful campaign.
We need a creative idea to originate a successful campaign.
- "*To originate* a successful campaign" modifies the noun "idea."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a creative idea *to originate* a successful campaign).
Originating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Originating innovative designs is her passion.
Originating innovative designs is her passion.
- "*Originating* innovative designs" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her passion).
- 2Object
I enjoy originating new concepts for my projects.
I enjoy originating new concepts for my projects.
- "*Originating* new concepts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*originating* new concepts).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for originating unique ideas.
He has a talent for originating unique ideas.
- "For *originating* unique ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *originating* unique ideas).
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 originate a new product line next year.
She hopes to originate a groundbreaking discovery in her research.
He wants to originate a unique concept for the project.
We decided to originate the idea from scratch.
They agreed to originate the plan together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys originating artistic designs for her clients.
They recommend regularly originating new strategies for business growth.
I avoid originating conflicts in the workplace.
He is considering originating his own business.
Can you imagine yourself originating a groundbreaking invention?
