When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To stay (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to stay" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to stay in a cozy cabin during my vacation.
Staying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "staying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Staying up late can affect your productivity.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To stay (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To stay is important for a good night's sleep.
To stay is important for a good night's sleep.
- "*To stay*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for a good night's sleep).
- 2Object
She wants me to stay at her house.
She wants me to stay at her house.
- "Me *to stay* at her house" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to stay* at her house).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable bed to stay in.
I need a comfortable bed to stay in.
- "*To stay* in" modifies the noun "bed."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable bed *to stay* in).
Staying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Staying focused is essential for success.
Staying focused is essential for success.
- "*Staying*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for success).
- 2Object
I enjoy staying at fancy hotels.
I enjoy staying at fancy hotels.
- "*Staying* at fancy hotels" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*staying* at fancy hotels).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a preference for staying in quiet places.
He has a preference for staying in quiet places.
- "For *staying*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *staying* in quiet places).
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 stay at a luxury resort for his honeymoon.
We hope to stay in a beachfront villa during our vacation.
They want to stay at a five-star hotel for the conference.
She decided to stay at her friend's place for the weekend.
We agreed to stay at a cabin in the mountains for our hiking trip.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys staying in cozy cottages during her vacations.
They recommend staying hydrated during hot weather.
I dislike the idea of staying in crowded places.
He avoids staying out late at night.
Can you imagine yourself staying in a treehouse?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to stay in nature resorts. I like staying in nature resorts.
They started to stay at Airbnb accommodations. They started staying at Airbnb accommodations.
She began to stay at her grandparents' house every summer. She began staying at her grandparents' house every summer.
