When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To speak (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to speak" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to speak fluently in Spanish.
Speaking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "speaking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Speaking confidently is important in public speaking.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To speak (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To speak multiple languages is a valuable skill.
To speak multiple languages is a valuable skill.
- "*To speak* multiple languages" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill).
- 2Object
She wants me to speak at the conference.
She wants me to speak at the conference.
- "Me *to speak* at the conference" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to speak* at the conference).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a microphone to speak clearly.
I need a microphone to speak clearly.
- "*To speak* clearly" modifies the noun "microphone."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a microphone *to speak* clearly).
Speaking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Speaking in public can be nerve-wracking.
Speaking in public can be nerve-wracking.
- "*Speaking* in public" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (nerve-wracking).
- 2Object
I enjoy speaking in front of an audience.
I enjoy speaking in front of an audience.
- "*Speaking* in front of an audience" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*speaking* in front of an audience).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for speaking different languages.
She has a talent for speaking different languages.
- "For *speaking* different languages" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *speaking* different languages).
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 speak fluent French during their trip.
He wants to speak in front of a large audience.
We choose to speak our minds without fear.
She decided to speak up for what she believed in.
I plan to speak with the manager about my concerns.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys speaking in public and sharing his ideas.
They recommend regular speaking practice for improvement.
I avoid speaking in public due to stage fright.
Can you imagine yourself speaking in front of thousands of people?
We are considering speaking at the conference next year.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to speak in different accents. She likes speaking in different accents.
We started to speak Spanish last month. We started speaking Spanish last month.
He began to speak confidently in public. He began speaking confidently in public.
