When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To put (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to put" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I need to put the groceries away.
Putting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "putting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Putting the puzzle together was challenging.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To put (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To put the dishes in the dishwasher is my responsibility.
To put the dishes in the dishwasher is my responsibility.
- "*To put* the dishes in the dishwasher" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my responsibility).
- 2Object
She wants me to put the book on the shelf.
She wants me to put the book on the shelf.
- "Me *to put* the book on the shelf" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to put* the book on the shelf).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a hammer to put up the picture.
He needs a hammer to put up the picture.
- "*To put* up the picture" modifies the noun "hammer."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a hammer *to put* up the picture).
Putting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Putting others before oneself is an act of selflessness.
Putting others before oneself is an act of selflessness.
- "*Putting* others before oneself" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an act of selflessness).
- 2Object
I enjoy putting on makeup for special occasions.
I enjoy putting on makeup for special occasions.
- "*Putting* on makeup for special occasions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*putting* on makeup for special occasions).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for putting words together.
He has a talent for putting words together.
- "For *putting* words together" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *putting* words together).
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
We plan to put up new curtains in the living room.
They hope to put their house on the market soon.
She wants to put the finishing touches on the project.
I decided to put my phone on silent mode during the meeting.
They agreed to put their differences aside and work together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys putting together jigsaw puzzles in her free time.
They recommend putting the important information at the beginning of the presentation.
He avoids putting off tasks until the last minute.
Can you imagine putting yourself in someone else's shoes?
Do you mind putting the dishes away after dinner?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to put fresh flowers in a vase. I like putting fresh flowers in a vase.
We started to put up holiday decorations. We started putting up holiday decorations.
He began to put his ideas into action. He began putting his ideas into action.
