When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To soar (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to soar" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to soar through the sky like a bird.
Soaring (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "soaring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Soaring gives me a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To soar (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To soar is a dream for many people.
To soar is a dream for many people.
- "*To soar*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a dream for many people).
- 2Object
She wants me to soar with her in a hot air balloon.
She wants me to soar with her in a hot air balloon.
- "Me *to soar* with her in a hot air balloon" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to soar* with her in a hot air balloon).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a strong wind to soar high in the sky.
I need a strong wind to soar high in the sky.
- "*To soar* high in the sky" modifies the noun "wind."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong wind *to soar* high in the sky).
Soaring (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Soaring requires skill and concentration.
Soaring requires skill and concentration.
- "*Soaring*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and concentration).
- 2Object
I enjoy soaring in a paraglider.
I enjoy soaring in a paraglider.
- "*Soaring* in a paraglider" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*soaring* in a paraglider).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for soaring in the sky.
He has a passion for soaring in the sky.
- "For *soaring* in the sky" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *soaring* in the sky).
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 hope to soar in a glider someday.
We decided to soar above the mountains for a better view.
He managed to soar to new heights with his innovative ideas.
She attempted to soar across the canyon on a zip line.
I wish to soar through the clouds like a superhero.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys soaring over the mountains on her hang glider.
They recommend soaring as a thrilling adventure activity.
Can you imagine yourself soaring like an eagle?
He avoids soaring in bad weather conditions.
I can't resist the temptation of soaring in a hot air balloon.
