When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To peg (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to peg" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to peg the clothes on the line.
Pegging (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "pegging" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Pegging the clothes on the line is a common household chore.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To peg (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To peg the clothes is my responsibility.
To peg the clothes is my responsibility.
- "*To peg* the clothes" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my responsibility).
- 2Object
She wants me to peg the clothes on the line.
She wants me to peg the clothes on the line.
- "Me *to peg* the clothes on the line" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to peg* the clothes on the line).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a wooden peg to peg the tent.
I need a wooden peg to peg the tent.
- "*To peg* the tent" modifies the noun "wooden peg."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wooden peg *to peg* the tent).
Pegging (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Pegging the clothes requires patience and precision.
Pegging the clothes requires patience and precision.
- "*Pegging* the clothes" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and precision).
- 2Object
I enjoy pegging the clothes on a sunny day.
I enjoy pegging the clothes on a sunny day.
- "*Pegging* the clothes on a sunny day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pegging* the clothes on a sunny day).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a knack for pegging the clothes efficiently.
She has a knack for pegging the clothes efficiently.
- "For *pegging* the clothes efficiently" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *pegging* the clothes efficiently).
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 peg the clothes on the line tomorrow.
They hope to peg the clothes without any issues.
He wants to peg the clothes tightly.
We decided to peg the clothes on the clothesline instead of using a dryer.
They agreed to peg the clothes evenly on the line.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys pegging the clothes on the line with colorful pegs.
They recommend using sturdy pegs for secure pegging.
I dislike the task of pegging wet clothes in the rain.
He avoids pegging delicate fabrics to prevent damage.
Can you imagine yourself pegging clothes in strong winds?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to peg the clothes on a sunny day. She likes pegging the clothes on a sunny day.
We started to peg the clothes on the line as a family activity. We started pegging the clothes on the line as a family activity.
He began to peg the clothes in an organized manner. He began pegging the clothes in an organized manner.
