When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To be positioned (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to be positioned" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
The statue needs to be positioned in the center of the park.
Positioning (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "positioning" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Positioning the camera correctly is essential for capturing the perfect shot.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To be positioned (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To be positioned correctly is crucial for the success of the project.
To be positioned correctly is crucial for the success of the project.
- "*To be positioned* correctly" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for the success of the project).
- 2Object
They want the furniture to be positioned against the wall.
They want the furniture to be positioned against the wall.
- "The furniture *to be positioned* against the wall" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the furniture *to be positioned* against the wall).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a ladder to be positioned near the roof.
I need a ladder to be positioned near the roof.
- "*To be positioned* near the roof" modifies the noun "ladder."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a ladder *to be positioned* near the roof).
Positioning (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Positioning the plants strategically can enhance the overall garden design.
Positioning the plants strategically can enhance the overall garden design.
- "*Positioning* the plants strategically" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can enhance) + noun phrase (the overall garden design).
- 2Object
I enjoy positioning the artwork on the gallery walls.
I enjoy positioning the artwork on the gallery walls.
- "*Positioning* the artwork on the gallery walls" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*positioning* the artwork on the gallery walls).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for positioning objects in aesthetically pleasing arrangements.
She has a talent for positioning objects in aesthetically pleasing arrangements.
- "For *positioning* objects in aesthetically pleasing arrangements" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *positioning* objects in aesthetically pleasing arrangements).
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 be positioned at the front of the stage during the performance.
They hope to be positioned on the top floor of the building.
He wants to be positioned near the window for a better view.
We decided to be positioned in the center of the room.
They agreed to be positioned facing each other.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys positioning the furniture in different layouts.
They recommend positioning the speakers at ear level for optimal sound quality.
He avoids positioning himself in situations where he feels uncomfortable.
I am considering positioning the table by the window for natural light.
Can you imagine positioning yourself as the leader of a successful team?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to be positioned in the front row. She likes positioning objects in creative ways.
We started to be positioned in the new office space. We started positioning the equipment for the event.
He began to be positioned higher up in the company. He began positioning the artwork in the gallery.
