When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To post (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to post" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I promise to post the letter tomorrow.
Posting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "posting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Posting on social media is a popular way to share information.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To post (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To post is an important task in our daily lives.
To post is an important task in our daily lives.
- "*To post*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important task in our daily lives).
- 2Object
She wants me to post the package for her.
She wants me to post the package for her.
- "Me *to post* the package for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to post* the package for her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a stamp to post this letter.
I need a stamp to post this letter.
- "*To post* this letter" modifies the noun "stamp."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stamp *to post* this letter).
Posting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Posting is a common activity among teenagers.
Posting is a common activity among teenagers.
- "*Posting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common activity among teenagers).
- 2Object
I enjoy posting pictures of my travels.
I enjoy posting pictures of my travels.
- "*Posting* pictures of my travels" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*posting* pictures of my travels).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for posting inspirational quotes.
She has a passion for posting inspirational quotes.
- "For *posting* inspirational quotes" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *posting* inspirational quotes).
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 post the invitation cards today.
They hope to post the package before the weekend.
He wants to post the letter as soon as possible.
We decided to post the parcel through express delivery.
They agreed to post the documents by registered mail.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys posting updates about her daily life on social media.
They recommend posting regularly to increase online visibility.
I dislike the idea of posting personal information on the internet.
He avoids posting controversial opinions on social media.
Can you imagine yourself posting videos of your talent online?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to post pictures of her pets on Instagram. She likes posting pictures of her pets on Instagram.
We started to post regularly on our blog. We started posting regularly on our blog.
He began to post funny memes on social media. He began posting funny memes on social media.
