When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To plunge (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to plunge" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to plunge into the deep water.
Plunging (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "plunging" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Plunging is an adrenaline-pumping activity.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To plunge (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To plunge is an exhilarating experience.
To plunge is an exhilarating experience.
- "*To plunge*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exhilarating experience).
- 2Object
She wants me to plunge into the pool.
She wants me to plunge into the pool.
- "Me *to plunge* into the pool" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to plunge* into the pool).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a wetsuit to plunge into the freezing water.
I need a wetsuit to plunge into the freezing water.
- "*To plunge* into the freezing water" modifies the noun "wetsuit."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wetsuit *to plunge* into the freezing water).
Plunging (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Plunging requires courage and skill.
Plunging requires courage and skill.
- "*Plunging*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (courage and skill).
- 2Object
I enjoy plunging into the deep end of the pool.
I enjoy plunging into the deep end of the pool.
- "*Plunging* into the deep end of the pool" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*plunging* into the deep end of the pool).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for plunging.
She has a passion for plunging.
- "For *plunging*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *plunging*).
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 plunge into the ocean tomorrow.
They hope to plunge into the waterfall during their vacation.
He wants to plunge into the wild river.
We decided to plunge into the lake this weekend.
They agreed to plunge into the pool together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys plunging in the ocean waves every summer.
They recommend regular plunging for thrill-seekers.
I dislike the idea of plunging from great heights.
He avoids plunging in dangerous locations.
Can you imagine yourself plunging into icy waters?
