When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To purple (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to purple" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to purple my hair for the party.
Purpling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "purpling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Purpling is a bold fashion statement.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To purple (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To purple is a unique hair color choice.
To purple is a unique hair color choice.
- "*To purple*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique hair color choice).
- 2Object
She wants me to purple her hair.
She wants me to purple her hair.
- "Me *to purple* her hair" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to purple* her hair).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a dye to purple my hair.
I need a dye to purple my hair.
- "*To purple* my hair" modifies the noun "dye."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a dye *to purple* my hair).
Purpling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Purpling adds a touch of uniqueness to any outfit.
Purpling adds a touch of uniqueness to any outfit.
- "*Purpling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (adds) + noun phrase (a touch of uniqueness to any outfit).
- 2Object
I enjoy purpling my nails with different shades.
I enjoy purpling my nails with different shades.
- "*Purpling* my nails with different shades" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*purpling* my nails with different shades).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for purpling her hair.
She has a passion for purpling her hair.
- "For *purpling* her hair" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *purpling* her hair).
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 purple her nails tomorrow.
They hope to purple their walls with a vibrant shade.
He wants to purple his car for a unique look.
We decided to purple our logo to stand out.
They agreed to purple their outfits for the event.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys purpling her lips with bold colors.
They recommend purpling your accessories for a pop of color.
I dislike the idea of purpling my skin with artificial dyes.
He avoids purpling his clothes with permanent stains.
Can you imagine yourself purpling your hair for a unique look?
