When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To overfish (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to overfish" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
We need to take action to overfish and protect our oceans.
Overfishing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "overfishing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Overfishing is causing a decline in fish populations worldwide.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To overfish (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To overfish is a serious problem in many fishing communities.
To overfish is a serious problem in many fishing communities.
- "*To overfish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a serious problem in many fishing communities).
- 2Object
They want us to overfish less in order to preserve marine life.
They want us to overfish less in order to preserve marine life.
- "Us *to overfish* less in order to preserve marine life" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to overfish* less in order to preserve marine life).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a solution to overfish sustainably.
He needs a solution to overfish sustainably.
- "*To overfish* sustainably" modifies the noun "solution."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a solution *to overfish* sustainably).
Overfishing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Overfishing is a threat to the balance of marine ecosystems.
Overfishing is a threat to the balance of marine ecosystems.
- "*Overfishing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a threat to the balance of marine ecosystems).
- 2Object
We should address the issue of overfishing in international waters.
We should address the issue of overfishing in international waters.
- "The issue of *overfishing* in international waters" is the object of the verb "should address."
- Noun (We) + verb (should address) + gerund (the issue of *overfishing* in international waters).
- 3Object of Preposition
He is concerned about the consequences of overfishing.
He is concerned about the consequences of overfishing.
- "Of *overfishing*" is the object of the preposition "about."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (is concerned about) + noun phrase (the consequences of *overfishing*).
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 overfish in that area for the next month.
I hope to overfish less in the future.
She decided to overfish only when necessary.
We choose not to overfish endangered species.
The organization demands governments to overfish responsibly.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
Fishermen should avoid overfishing certain species.
Experts recommend strict regulations to prevent overfishing.
Do you mind me overfishing in this area?
They are considering measures to reduce overfishing.
Can you imagine the impact of overfishing on marine biodiversity?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
We would like to overfish responsibly. We would like overfishing to be reduced.
She started to overfish more intensively. She started overfishing at a young age.
He began to overfish the area without considering the consequences. He began overfishing without realizing the impact.
