When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To read (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to read" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to read more books to expand my knowledge.
Reading (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "reading" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Reading is a great way to relax and escape.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To read (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To read is a favorite pastime for many people.
To read is a favorite pastime for many people.
- "*To read*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a favorite pastime for many people).
- 2Object
She wants me to read her new novel.
She wants me to read her new novel.
- "Me *to read* her new novel" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to read* her new novel).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a quiet place to read my book.
I need a quiet place to read my book.
- "*To read* my book" modifies the noun "place."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to read* my book).
Reading (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Reading helps improve vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Reading helps improve vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- "*Reading*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (improve vocabulary and comprehension skills).
- 2Object
I enjoy reading novels in my free time.
I enjoy reading novels in my free time.
- "*Reading* novels in my free time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reading* novels in my free time).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for reading non-fiction books.
She has a passion for reading non-fiction books.
- "For *reading* non-fiction books" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *reading* non-fiction books).
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
He chose to read a mystery novel for his book club.
They hope to read all the books on their reading list this year.
She wants to read a biography of her favorite author.
We decided to read a classic novel for our next book club meeting.
They agreed to read a book together and discuss it later.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys reading poetry by her favorite authors.
They recommend regular reading for personal growth and development.
I dislike the idea of reading self-help books.
He avoids reading horror novels before bed.
Can you imagine yourself reading a thrilling mystery novel?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to read fantasy novels. She likes reading fantasy novels.
We started to read the latest bestseller. We started reading the latest bestseller.
He began to read a new book every week. He began reading a new book every week.
