When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To run (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to run" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to run a marathon next year.
Running (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "running" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To run (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To run requires discipline and perseverance.
To run requires discipline and perseverance.
- "*To run*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (discipline and perseverance).
- 2Object
She wants me to run with her in the park.
She wants me to run with her in the park.
- "Me *to run* with her in the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to run* with her in the park).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need comfortable shoes to run long distances.
I need comfortable shoes to run long distances.
- "*To run* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to run* long distances).
Running (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Running can help you lose weight and stay fit.
Running can help you lose weight and stay fit.
- "*Running*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can help) + noun phrase (you lose weight and stay fit).
- 2Object
I enjoy running in the park every morning.
I enjoy running in the park every morning.
- "*Running* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*running* in the park).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for running marathons.
He has a passion for running marathons.
- "For *running* marathons" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *running* marathons).
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 plans to run a marathon next month.
They hope to run together in the race.
She wants to run a half marathon before the end of the year.
We decided to run in the charity event.
They agreed to run the relay race as a team.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys running on the beach at sunset.
They recommend regular running for overall health and well-being.
I dislike the idea of running in the rain.
He avoids running on hard surfaces to prevent injury.
Can you imagine yourself running a marathon?
