When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To smile (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to smile" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to smile more often to spread positivity.
Smiling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "smiling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Smiling is a universal language that brings people together.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To smile (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To smile is contagious and can brighten someone's day.
To smile is contagious and can brighten someone's day.
- "*To smile*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (contagious and can brighten someone's day).
- 2Object
She wants me to smile in the family photo.
She wants me to smile in the family photo.
- "Me *to smile* in the family photo" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to smile* in the family photo).
- 3Adverbial Modifier
I need a reason to smile today.
I need a reason to smile today.
- "*To smile* today" modifies the noun "reason."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to smile* today).
Smiling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Smiling can improve your mood instantly.
Smiling can improve your mood instantly.
- "*Smiling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (your mood instantly).
- 2Object
I enjoy smiling at children in the park.
I enjoy smiling at children in the park.
- "*Smiling* at children in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*smiling* at children in the park).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for smiling in difficult situations.
He has a talent for smiling in difficult situations.
- "For *smiling* in difficult situations" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *smiling* in difficult situations).
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
He plans to smile at everyone he meets.
They hope to smile more often to create a positive atmosphere.
She wants to smile at strangers to brighten their day.
We decided to smile during the entire event.
They agreed to smile for the group photo.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys smiling at strangers on her morning walks.
They recommend smiling as a way to improve social interactions.
I dislike the idea of smiling when I'm upset.
He avoids smiling in serious situations.
Can you imagine yourself smiling at a complete stranger?
