When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To pursue (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to pursue" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to pursue my dreams and achieve success.
Pursuing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "pursuing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Pursuing a hobby can bring joy and fulfillment.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To pursue (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To pursue a career in medicine requires dedication and hard work.
To pursue a career in medicine requires dedication and hard work.
- "*To pursue* a career in medicine" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a career in medicine).
- 2Object
She wants me to pursue higher education.
She wants me to pursue higher education.
- "Me *to pursue* higher education" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to pursue* higher education).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a plan to pursue my goals effectively.
I need a plan to pursue my goals effectively.
- "*To pursue* my goals effectively" modifies the noun "plan."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to pursue* my goals effectively).
Pursuing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Pursuing your interests and passions is important for personal growth.
Pursuing your interests and passions is important for personal growth.
- "*Pursuing* your interests and passions" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for personal growth).
- 2Object
I enjoy pursuing outdoor activities.
I enjoy pursuing outdoor activities.
- "*Pursuing* outdoor activities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pursuing* outdoor activities).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for pursuing new challenges.
She has a talent for pursuing new challenges.
- "For *pursuing* new challenges" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *pursuing* new challenges).
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 pursue a career in law.
They hope to pursue their passion for music professionally.
He wants to pursue a degree in engineering.
We decided to pursue further studies in business management.
They agreed to pursue their dreams together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys pursuing artistic endeavors in her free time.
They recommend pursuing higher education for better career prospects.
I dislike the idea of pursuing a job solely for money.
He avoids pursuing activities that do not align with his values.
Can you imagine yourself pursuing a career in photography?
