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Simuler vs Simulating Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

Simuler (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "simuler" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to simulate a real-life situation to test our response.

Simulating (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "simulating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Simulating real-world scenarios helps us improve our problem-solving skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

Simuler (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To simulate is an effective way to prepare for emergencies.

    To simulate is an effective way to prepare for emergencies.

    • "*To simulate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an effective way to prepare for emergencies).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to simulate a car crash for the training program.

    She wants me to simulate a car crash for the training program.

    • "Me *to simulate* a car crash for the training program" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to simulate* a car crash for the training program).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a computer program to simulate different weather conditions.

    We need a computer program to simulate different weather conditions.

    • "*To simulate* different weather conditions" modifies the noun "computer program."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a computer program *to simulate* different weather conditions).

Simulating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Simulating different situations is crucial for training purposes.

    Simulating different situations is crucial for training purposes.

    • "*Simulating* different situations" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for training purposes).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy simulating emergency situations in the virtual environment.

    I enjoy simulating emergency situations in the virtual environment.

    • "*Simulating* emergency situations in the virtual environment" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*simulating* emergency situations in the virtual environment).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for simulating complex systems.

    She has a talent for simulating complex systems.

    • "For *simulating* complex systems" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *simulating* complex systems).

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 plan to simulate a fire drill next week.

I hope to simulate a realistic scenario during the training.

He wants to simulate a virtual reality experience.

We decided to simulate a power outage for the exercise.

They agreed to simulate a terrorist attack for the simulation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy simulating space missions in the simulator.

Experts recommend regularly simulating cybersecurity attacks.

He avoids simulating dangerous situations without proper training.

Can you imagine yourself simulating a high-pressure negotiation?

We are considering simulating a natural disaster scenario.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to simulate real-world scenarios in the training sessions. She likes simulating real-world scenarios in the training sessions.

We started to simulate emergencies as part of our preparedness program. We started simulating emergencies as part of our preparedness program.

He began to simulate critical incidents for the team's practice. He began simulating critical incidents for the team's practice.

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