When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To perform (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to perform" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to perform on stage to showcase my talent.
Performing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "performing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Performing is an exhilarating experience for me.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To perform (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To perform requires a lot of practice and dedication.
To perform requires a lot of practice and dedication.
- "*To perform*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a lot of practice and dedication).
- 2Object
She wants me to perform in her concert.
She wants me to perform in her concert.
- "Me *to perform* in her concert" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to perform* in her concert).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a stage to perform my act.
I need a stage to perform my act.
- "*To perform* my act" modifies the noun "stage."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stage *to perform* my act).
Performing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Performing brings joy to many people.
Performing brings joy to many people.
- "*Performing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (joy to many people).
- 2Object
I enjoy performing in front of an audience.
I enjoy performing in front of an audience.
- "*Performing* in front of an audience" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*performing* in front of an audience).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for performing on stage.
She has a passion for performing on stage.
- "For *performing* on stage" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *performing* on stage).
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 perform at the theater next month.
They hope to perform together in a music video.
She wants to perform in front of a large audience.
We decided to perform our play at the community center.
They agreed to perform a duet at the concert.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys performing magic tricks for children.
They recommend regular performing for improving stage presence.
I dislike the idea of performing in front of a large crowd.
She avoids performing in noisy environments.
Can you imagine yourself performing in a Broadway show?
