When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To rescue (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to rescue" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to rescue the stranded hikers from the mountain.
Rescuing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "rescuing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Rescuing people in distress is a rewarding experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To rescue (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To rescue someone in need is a noble act.
To rescue someone in need is a noble act.
- "*To rescue*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble act).
- 2Object
She wants me to rescue the injured animal.
She wants me to rescue the injured animal.
- "Me *to rescue* the injured animal" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rescue* the injured animal).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a boat to rescue the survivors.
They need a boat to rescue the survivors.
- "*To rescue* the survivors" modifies the noun "boat."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a boat *to rescue* the survivors).
Rescuing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Rescuing animals is a compassionate act.
Rescuing animals is a compassionate act.
- "*Rescuing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a compassionate act).
- 2Object
I enjoy rescuing stray cats and dogs.
I enjoy rescuing stray cats and dogs.
- "*Rescuing* stray cats and dogs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rescuing* stray cats and dogs).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for rescuing injured birds.
She has a talent for rescuing injured birds.
- "For *rescuing* injured birds" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *rescuing* injured birds).
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 decided to rescue the lost hikers from the forest.
He plans to rescue the trapped miners tomorrow.
They hope to rescue the missing person alive.
She wants to rescue the abandoned pets.
We attempted to rescue the drowning swimmer.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys rescuing people in dangerous situations.
They recommend rescuing marine life from pollution.
She avoids rescuing spiders and insects.
Can you imagine yourself rescuing people from burning buildings?
We are considering rescuing abandoned animals.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to rescue animals in need. I like rescuing animals in need.
They started to rescue victims of natural disasters. They started rescuing victims of natural disasters.
He began to rescue stray dogs and cats. He began rescuing stray dogs and cats.
