When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To search (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to search" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to search for information online.
Searching (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "searching" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Searching for information can be time-consuming.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To search (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To search is an essential skill in today's digital age.
To search is an essential skill in today's digital age.
- "*To search*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill in today's digital age).
- 2Object
She wants me to search for the answer.
She wants me to search for the answer.
- "Me *to search* for the answer" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to search* for the answer).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a reliable website to search for job opportunities.
I need a reliable website to search for job opportunities.
- "*To search* for job opportunities" modifies the noun "website."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable website *to search* for job opportunities).
Searching (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Searching requires patience and perseverance.
Searching requires patience and perseverance.
- "*Searching*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and perseverance).
- 2Object
I enjoy searching for new recipes.
I enjoy searching for new recipes.
- "*Searching* for new recipes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*searching* for new recipes).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for searching effectively.
She has a talent for searching effectively.
- "For *searching* effectively" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *searching* effectively).
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
She plans to search for a new apartment this weekend.
They hope to search for a solution to the problem.
He wants to search for the best deals online.
We decided to search for a new car model.
They agreed to search for a suitable candidate for the position.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys searching for interesting articles online.
They recommend searching for reviews before making a purchase.
I dislike the process of searching through endless options.
He avoids searching for information on unreliable websites.
Can you imagine yourself searching for treasure in a hidden cave?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to search for inspiration in nature. She likes searching for inspiration in nature.
We started to search for a new job opportunity. We started searching for a new job opportunity.
He began to search for a solution to the problem. He began searching for a solution to the problem.
