When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To preen (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to preen" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
She wants to preen her feathers to look presentable.
Preening (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "preening" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Preening is a natural grooming behavior for animals.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To preen (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To preen is an instinctual behavior for birds.
To preen is an instinctual behavior for birds.
- "*To preen*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an instinctual behavior for birds).
- 2Object
He wants me to preen his hair before the party.
He wants me to preen his hair before the party.
- "Me *to preen* his hair before the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to preen* his hair before the party).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a mirror to preen in front of.
I need a mirror to preen in front of.
- "*To preen* in front of" modifies the noun "mirror."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mirror *to preen* in front of).
Preening (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Preening helps birds maintain the health of their feathers.
Preening helps birds maintain the health of their feathers.
- "*Preening*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (birds maintain the health of their feathers).
- 2Object
I enjoy preening my hair in front of the mirror.
I enjoy preening my hair in front of the mirror.
- "*Preening* my hair in front of the mirror" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*preening* my hair in front of the mirror).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for preening her pets.
She has a passion for preening her pets.
- "For *preening* her pets" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *preening* her pets).
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 decided to preen her nails before the event.
They attempted to preen their feathers for the competition.
He wishes to preen his appearance for the interview.
We chose to preen our outfits for the occasion.
They learned to preen their wings from their parents.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys preening her feathers after a bath.
They recommend regular preening for the health of pet birds.
I am considering preening my garden plants.
He avoids preening his hair too much.
Can you imagine yourself preening your fur like a cat?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to preen herself in the mirror. She likes preening herself in the mirror.
We started to preen our feathers after molting. We started preening our feathers after molting.
He began to preen his hair with care. He began preening his hair with care.
