When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To say (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to say" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to say something important.
Saying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "saying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Saying nice things can brighten someone's day.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To say (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To say the truth is always the best policy.
To say the truth is always the best policy.
- "*To say* the truth" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the truth).
- 2Object
She wants me to say hello to her friend.
She wants me to say hello to her friend.
- "Me *to say* hello to her friend" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to say* hello to her friend).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a microphone to say my speech clearly.
I need a microphone to say my speech clearly.
- "*To say* my speech clearly" modifies the noun "microphone."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a microphone *to say* my speech clearly).
Saying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Saying sorry is important when you make a mistake.
Saying sorry is important when you make a mistake.
- "*Saying* sorry" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important when you make a mistake).
- 2Object
I enjoy saying positive affirmations every morning.
I enjoy saying positive affirmations every morning.
- "*Saying* positive affirmations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*saying* positive affirmations).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for saying the right thing at the right time.
She has a talent for saying the right thing at the right time.
- "For *saying* the right thing at the right time" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *saying* the right thing at the right time).
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 agreed to say the same thing during the meeting.
He promised to say sorry for his mistake.
She wants to say her opinion about the topic.
We hope to say goodbye before leaving.
They refused to say anything without a lawyer present.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys saying jokes to make people laugh.
They recommend saying thank you to show appreciation.
She avoids saying negative things about others.
Do you mind saying that again?
I am considering saying yes to the job offer.
