When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To scoot (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to scoot" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to scoot around the neighborhood on my new scooter.
Scooting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "scooting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Scooting is a popular activity among kids.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To scoot (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To scoot is a fun way to travel short distances.
To scoot is a fun way to travel short distances.
- "*To scoot*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun way to travel short distances).
- 2Object
She wants me to scoot with her to the park.
She wants me to scoot with her to the park.
- "Me *to scoot* with her to the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to scoot* with her to the park).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a scooter to scoot around town.
I need a scooter to scoot around town.
- "*To scoot* around town" modifies the noun "scooter."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a scooter *to scoot* around town).
Scooting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Scooting helps improve balance and coordination.
Scooting helps improve balance and coordination.
- "*Scooting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (improve balance and coordination).
- 2Object
I enjoy scooting around the neighborhood.
I enjoy scooting around the neighborhood.
- "*Scooting* around the neighborhood" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*scooting* around the neighborhood).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for scooting.
She has a passion for scooting.
- "For *scooting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *scooting*).
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 scoot to work tomorrow.
They hope to scoot through the park during their lunch break.
She wants to scoot around the block.
We decided to scoot to the beach this weekend.
They agreed to scoot together in the park.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys scooting in the park every evening.
They recommend regular scooting for better coordination.
I dislike the idea of scooting in heavy traffic.
She avoids scooting on rough surfaces.
Can you imagine yourself scooting down a steep hill?
