When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To ply (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to ply" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to ply my trade as a carpenter.
Plying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "plying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Plying your trade can lead to great success.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To ply (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To ply a trade requires skill and dedication.
To ply a trade requires skill and dedication.
- "*To ply* a trade" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and dedication).
- 2Object
He wants me to ply his route for him.
He wants me to ply his route for him.
- "Me *to ply* his route for him" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to ply* his route for him).
- 3Adjective Modifier
She needs a sturdy vehicle to ply her trade.
She needs a sturdy vehicle to ply her trade.
- "*To ply* her trade" modifies the noun "vehicle."
- Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a sturdy vehicle *to ply* her trade).
Plying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Plying a trade requires hard work and determination.
Plying a trade requires hard work and determination.
- "*Plying* a trade" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and determination).
- 2Object
I enjoy plying my trade as a chef.
I enjoy plying my trade as a chef.
- "*Plying* my trade as a chef" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*plying* my trade as a chef).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have a passion for plying their trade.
They have a passion for plying their trade.
- "For *plying* their trade" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *plying* their trade).
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 ply their craft in the new workshop.
I hope to ply my skills in a larger company.
We want to ply our trade internationally.
He decided to ply his trade in a different city.
She agreed to ply her trade at the event.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys plying her trade in different countries.
I recommend regularly plying your trade to gain experience.
He dislikes the idea of plying his trade in a small town.
They avoid plying their trade in unfavorable conditions.
Can you imagine yourself plying your trade on a global scale?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to ply my trade in a bustling city. I like plying my trade in a bustling city.
She started to ply her trade at a young age. She started plying her trade at a young age.
He began to ply his trade after completing his apprenticeship. He began plying his trade after completing his apprenticeship.
