When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To smoulder (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to smoulder" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
The fire started to smoulder after the logs burned down.
Smouldering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "smouldering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
The smouldering fire gave off a faint glow.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To smoulder (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To smoulder is a sign of a slow-burning fire.
To smoulder is a sign of a slow-burning fire.
- "*To smoulder*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of a slow-burning fire).
- 2Object
He wants the embers to smoulder all night.
He wants the embers to smoulder all night.
- "The embers *to smoulder* all night" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (the embers *to smoulder* all night).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a fire to smoulder slowly.
They need a fire to smoulder slowly.
- "*To smoulder* slowly" modifies the noun "fire."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fire *to smoulder* slowly).
Smouldering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Smouldering can be dangerous if not monitored closely.
Smouldering can be dangerous if not monitored closely.
- "*Smouldering*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (dangerous if not monitored closely).
- 2Object
She enjoys the sight of smouldering embers.
She enjoys the sight of smouldering embers.
- "The sight of *smouldering* embers" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + noun phrase (the sight of *smouldering* embers).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a fear of smouldering fires.
He has a fear of smouldering fires.
- "Of *smouldering* fires" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *smouldering* fires).
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
We agreed to smoulder the wood instead of burning it completely.
She decided to smoulder the incense for a longer time.
They plan to smoulder the meat for a smoky flavor.
I hope to smoulder the candles to create a cozy atmosphere.
He wants to smoulder the paper to produce smoke.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They avoid smouldering fires by properly extinguishing them.
Experts recommend checking for any signs of smouldering before leaving a room.
We are considering the option of smouldering the logs for a longer burn.
Do you mind the smell of smouldering wood?
Can you imagine the beauty of smouldering candles in a dimly lit room?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to smoulder incense to create a relaxing atmosphere. She likes the scent of smouldering incense in the air.
They started to smoulder the barbecue for a slow-cooked meal. They started smouldering the barbecue for a smoky flavor.
He began to smoulder the leaves to clear the yard. He began smouldering the leaves to reduce waste.
