When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To reveal (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to reveal" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I promise to reveal the secret to you.
Revealing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "revealing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Revealing the truth can be risky.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To reveal (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To reveal the truth is important in this investigation.
To reveal the truth is important in this investigation.
- "*To reveal* the truth" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in this investigation).
- 2Object
She wants me to reveal my plan.
She wants me to reveal my plan.
- "Me *to reveal* my plan" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reveal* my plan).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a reliable source to reveal the information.
We need a reliable source to reveal the information.
- "*To reveal* the information" modifies the noun "source."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable source *to reveal* the information).
Revealing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Revealing the evidence is crucial for the case.
Revealing the evidence is crucial for the case.
- "*Revealing* the evidence" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for the case).
- 2Object
He enjoys revealing his talents to others.
He enjoys revealing his talents to others.
- "*Revealing* his talents to others" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*revealing* his talents to others).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of revealing her true identity.
She has a fear of revealing her true identity.
- "Of *revealing* her true identity" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *revealing* her true identity).
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 decided to reveal the secret at the meeting.
They hope to reveal the truth about the incident.
She attempted to reveal her feelings to him.
The audience demanded him to reveal his sources.
I wish to reveal the surprise party plans to her.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids revealing his weaknesses in public.
They are considering revealing their new product next month.
I don't mind revealing my sources for the article.
Experts recommend revealing your intentions in a negotiation.
Can you understand the importance of revealing the truth?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to reveal my findings. I would like revealing my findings.
They began to reveal the hidden treasure. They began revealing the hidden treasure.
She continues to reveal her secrets. She continues revealing her secrets.
