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 in the marathon to challenge myself.
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 an effective way to burn calories.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To run (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To run is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
To run is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness.
- "*To run*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness).
- 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 a good pair of shoes to run long distances.
I need a good pair of shoes to run long distances.
- "*To run* long distances" modifies the noun "pair of shoes."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good pair of shoes *to run* long distances).
Running (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Running helps improve cardiovascular endurance.
Running helps improve cardiovascular endurance.
- "*Running*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (improve cardiovascular endurance).
- 2Object
I enjoy running in the park.
I enjoy running in the park.
- "*Running* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*running* in the park).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for running.
She has a passion for running.
- "For *running*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *running*).
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 year.
We hope to run together in the charity event.
They want to run a 5K race this weekend.
She decided to run a half marathon.
We agreed to run in the relay race.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys running marathons around the world.
The doctor recommends regular running for better health.
She dislikes the idea of running in the rain.
They avoid running on hard surfaces to prevent injuries.
Can you imagine yourself running a marathon?
