When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To select (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to select" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to select the best candidate for the job.
Selecting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "selecting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Selecting the right ingredients is crucial for a delicious recipe.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To select (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To select the right answer requires careful thinking.
To select the right answer requires careful thinking.
- "*To select* the right answer" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful thinking).
- 2Object
She asked me to select a gift for her.
She asked me to select a gift for her.
- "Me *to select* a gift for her" is the object of the verb "asked."
- Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to select* a gift for her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a criteria to select the winner.
We need a criteria to select the winner.
- "*To select* the winner" modifies the noun "criteria."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a criteria *to select* the winner).
Selecting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Selecting a reliable supplier is important for business success.
Selecting a reliable supplier is important for business success.
- "*Selecting* a reliable supplier" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a reliable supplier).
- 2Object
I enjoy selecting new books to read.
I enjoy selecting new books to read.
- "*Selecting* new books to read" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*selecting* new books to read).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for selecting the perfect gift.
She has a talent for selecting the perfect gift.
- "For *selecting* the perfect gift" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *selecting* the perfect gift).
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 decided to select the new logo design.
He plans to select a team captain by the end of the week.
We want to select the best option available.
She attempted to select the perfect outfit for the occasion.
The client demands to select the color scheme.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend selecting a reputable contractor for the project.
I am considering selecting a new paint color for the room.
He avoids selecting products with harmful ingredients.
Do you mind selecting the music for the party?
Can you imagine selecting your dream vacation destination?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to select her own clothes. She likes selecting her own clothes.
They started to select the members of the committee. They started selecting the members of the committee.
He began to select his team for the tournament. He began selecting his team for the tournament.
