When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To remodel (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to remodel" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to remodel my kitchen to create more space.
Remodelling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "remodelling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Remodelling can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To remodel (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To remodel is a big undertaking.
To remodel is a big undertaking.
- "*To remodel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a big undertaking).
- 2Object
She wants me to remodel her living room.
She wants me to remodel her living room.
- "Me *to remodel* her living room" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to remodel* her living room).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a contractor to remodel our bathroom.
We need a contractor to remodel our bathroom.
- "*To remodel* our bathroom" modifies the noun "contractor."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a contractor *to remodel* our bathroom).
Remodelling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Remodelling requires careful planning and execution.
Remodelling requires careful planning and execution.
- "*Remodelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and execution).
- 2Object
I enjoy remodelling old houses.
I enjoy remodelling old houses.
- "*Remodelling* old houses" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*remodelling* old houses).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for remodelling.
He has a talent for remodelling.
- "For *remodelling*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *remodelling*).
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
They plan to remodel their house next year.
He decided to remodel his office space.
We attempted to remodel the entire building.
She chose to remodel the kitchen first.
I want to remodel my own home and learn new skills.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys remodelling her own home.
They recommend professional help for remodelling projects.
He avoids remodelling old structures.
Can you imagine yourself remodelling a historic building?
We are considering remodelling the entire neighborhood.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to remodel my bedroom. I would like remodelling my bedroom.
They started to remodel their office space. They started remodelling their office space.
She began to remodel her living room. She began remodelling her living room.
