When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To shed (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to shed" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to shed some weight before the wedding.
Shedding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "shedding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Shedding pounds can be challenging but rewarding.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To shed (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To shed pounds requires dedication and hard work.
To shed pounds requires dedication and hard work.
- "*To shed* pounds" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and hard work).
- 2Object
She wants me to shed some extra pounds.
She wants me to shed some extra pounds.
- "Me *to shed* some extra pounds" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to shed* some extra pounds).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a workout plan to shed weight.
I need a workout plan to shed weight.
- "*To shed* weight" modifies the noun "workout plan."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a workout plan *to shed* weight).
Shedding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Shedding weight requires discipline and perseverance.
Shedding weight requires discipline and perseverance.
- "*Shedding* weight" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (discipline and perseverance).
- 2Object
I enjoy shedding extra pounds through exercise.
I enjoy shedding extra pounds through exercise.
- "*Shedding* extra pounds through exercise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shedding* extra pounds through exercise).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for shedding weight and staying fit.
She has a passion for shedding weight and staying fit.
- "For *shedding* weight and staying fit" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *shedding* weight and staying fit).
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 shed some weight before the event.
They hope to shed a few pounds before summer.
He wants to shed some excess weight.
We decided to shed a few pounds for health reasons.
They agreed to shed weight together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys shedding weight through various workouts.
They recommend shedding a few pounds for better health.
I dislike the idea of shedding weight too quickly.
He avoids shedding weight through crash diets.
Can you imagine yourself shedding pounds and feeling great?
