When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To serve (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to serve" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to serve my community by volunteering at the local shelter.
Serving (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "serving" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Serving others brings joy and fulfillment.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To serve (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To serve is a noble act of kindness.
To serve is a noble act of kindness.
- "*To serve*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble act of kindness).
- 2Object
She wants me to serve food at the event.
She wants me to serve food at the event.
- "Me *to serve* food at the event" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to serve* food at the event).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a platter to serve the appetizers.
I need a platter to serve the appetizers.
- "*To serve* the appetizers" modifies the noun "platter."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platter *to serve* the appetizers).
Serving (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Serving the community is a rewarding experience.
Serving the community is a rewarding experience.
- "*Serving* the community" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a rewarding experience).
- 2Object
I enjoy serving meals to those in need.
I enjoy serving meals to those in need.
- "*Serving* meals to those in need" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*serving* meals to those in need).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for serving her community.
She has a passion for serving her community.
- "For *serving* her community" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *serving* her community).
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 serve meals at the homeless shelter next week.
They hope to serve their community through volunteer work.
He wants to serve in the military.
We decided to serve dinner at the charity event.
They agreed to serve as volunteers for the organization.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys serving at the local soup kitchen every weekend.
They recommend serving others as a way to make a difference.
I dislike the idea of serving in a corporate job.
He avoids serving on committees or boards.
Can you imagine yourself serving in a leadership role?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to serve her guests with delicious food. She likes serving her guests with delicious food.
We started to serve breakfast at the café. We started serving breakfast at the café.
He began to serve his customers with exceptional service. He began serving his customers with exceptional service.
