When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To resurface (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to resurface" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to resurface the driveway to improve its appearance.
Resurfacing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "resurfacing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Resurfacing the driveway will greatly improve its appearance.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To resurface (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To resurface the road is necessary for safety reasons.
To resurface the road is necessary for safety reasons.
- "*To resurface* the road" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary for safety reasons).
- 2Object
She wants me to resurface the floor.
She wants me to resurface the floor.
- "Me *to resurface* the floor" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to resurface* the floor).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a professional to resurface the walls.
We need a professional to resurface the walls.
- "*To resurface* the walls" modifies the noun "professional."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a professional *to resurface* the walls).
Resurfacing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Resurfacing the road is a time-consuming process.
Resurfacing the road is a time-consuming process.
- "*Resurfacing* the road" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a time-consuming process).
- 2Object
I enjoy resurfacing the floors in my spare time.
I enjoy resurfacing the floors in my spare time.
- "*Resurfacing* the floors in my spare time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*resurfacing* the floors in my spare time).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for resurfacing old furniture.
She has a talent for resurfacing old furniture.
- "For *resurfacing* old furniture" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *resurfacing* old furniture).
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 resurface the parking lot next week.
I hope to resurface the driveway before winter comes.
He wants to resurface the tennis court in the backyard.
We decided to resurface the pool deck this summer.
They agreed to resurface the basketball court together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys resurfacing the driveway on weekends.
They recommend professional resurfacing for a longer lifespan.
I dislike the idea of DIY resurfacing projects.
She avoids resurfacing large areas by herself.
Can you imagine yourself resurfacing the entire house exterior?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to resurface old furniture. I like resurfacing old furniture.
They started to resurface the driveway themselves. They started resurfacing the driveway themselves.
He began to resurface the floors in his spare time. He began resurfacing the floors in his spare time.
