When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To pay (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to pay" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I need to pay my bills by the end of the week.
Paying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "paying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Paying bills is a necessary task.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To pay (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To pay is an essential responsibility.
To pay is an essential responsibility.
- "*To pay*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential responsibility).
- 2Object
She wants me to pay for dinner.
She wants me to pay for dinner.
- "Me *to pay* for dinner" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to pay* for dinner).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I have a credit card to pay for unexpected expenses.
I have a credit card to pay for unexpected expenses.
- "*To pay* for unexpected expenses" modifies the noun "credit card."
- Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a credit card *to pay* for unexpected expenses).
Paying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Paying bills can be overwhelming.
Paying bills can be overwhelming.
- "*Paying* bills" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (overwhelming).
- 2Object
I enjoy paying for groceries with a mobile payment app.
I enjoy paying for groceries with a mobile payment app.
- "*Paying* for groceries with a mobile payment app" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*paying* for groceries with a mobile payment app).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a habit of paying bills on time.
He has a habit of paying bills on time.
- "Of *paying* bills on time" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *paying* bills on time).
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 plans to pay off his debt within a year.
They hope to pay for their dream vacation soon.
She wants to pay in cash instead of using a credit card.
We decided to pay the bill together.
They agreed to pay their share of the rent on time.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys paying for her own expenses.
They recommend automating paying bills for convenience.
I dislike the process of paying taxes.
He avoids paying unnecessary fees.
Can you imagine yourself paying off your mortgage early?
