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 the truth can be a challenging process.
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 missing documents.
She wants me to search for the missing documents.
- "Me *to search* for the missing documents" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to search* for the missing documents).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a reliable tool to search for relevant articles.
I need a reliable tool to search for relevant articles.
- "*To search* for relevant articles" modifies the noun "tool."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable tool *to search* for relevant articles).
Searching (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Searching for answers is a never-ending journey.
Searching for answers is a never-ending journey.
- "*Searching*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a never-ending journey).
- 2Object
I enjoy searching for hidden treasures.
I enjoy searching for hidden treasures.
- "*Searching* for hidden treasures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*searching* for hidden treasures).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for searching through large datasets.
She has a talent for searching through large datasets.
- "For *searching* through large datasets" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *searching* through large datasets).
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
We decided to search for a new apartment.
He attempted to search for the answer on his own.
They refused to search through the entire database.
She hopes to search for a solution to the problem.
I chose to search for a different job.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy searching for new music releases.
He avoids searching for information at late hours.
Experts recommend searching for credible sources.
Can you imagine yourself searching for buried treasure?
We are considering searching for a new car.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to search for inspiration online. She likes searching for inspiration online.
We started to search for a new house. We started searching for a new house.
He began to search for the missing keys. He began searching for the missing keys.
