When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To skyline (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to skyline" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to skyline from the top of the mountain.
Skylining (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "skylining" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Skylining requires focus and balance.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To skyline (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To skyline is a thrilling experience.
To skyline is a thrilling experience.
- "*To skyline*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling experience).
- 2Object
She wants me to skyline with her.
She wants me to skyline with her.
- "Me *to skyline* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to skyline* with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a clear view to skyline properly.
I need a clear view to skyline properly.
- "*To skyline* properly" modifies the noun "view."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear view *to skyline* properly).
Skylining (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Skylining is an extreme sport.
Skylining is an extreme sport.
- "*Skylining*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an extreme sport).
- 2Object
I enjoy skylining in the mountains.
I enjoy skylining in the mountains.
- "*Skylining* in the mountains" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*skylining* in the mountains).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for skylining.
She has a passion for skylining.
- "For *skylining*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *skylining*).
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 skyline at sunset tomorrow.
I hope to skyline in different cities around the world.
He wants to skyline during his vacation.
We decided to skyline from the tallest building.
They agreed to skyline together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys skylining in urban areas.
They recommend proper training before skylining.
I dislike the idea of skylining without safety equipment.
She avoids skylining in bad weather conditions.
Can you imagine yourself skylining between skyscrapers?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to skyline in the city skyline. She likes skylining in the city skyline.
We started to skyline as a hobby. We started skylining as a hobby.
He began to skyline after watching a documentary. He began skylining after watching a documentary.