When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To steal (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to steal" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to steal the spotlight at the talent show.
Stealing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "stealing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Stealing is against the law.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To steal (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To steal is a serious crime.
To steal is a serious crime.
- "*To steal*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a serious crime).
- 2Object
He expects me to steal the diamond.
He expects me to steal the diamond.
- "Me *to steal* the diamond" is the object of the verb "expects."
- Noun (He) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (me *to steal* the diamond).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a master plan to steal the treasure.
They need a master plan to steal the treasure.
- "*To steal* the treasure" modifies the noun "master plan."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a master plan *to steal* the treasure).
Stealing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Stealing is a common problem in big cities.
Stealing is a common problem in big cities.
- "*Stealing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common problem in big cities).
- 2Object
I enjoy stealing kisses from my partner.
I enjoy stealing kisses from my partner.
- "*Stealing* kisses from my partner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*stealing* kisses from my partner).
- 3Object of Preposition
He got caught for stealing money from the company.
He got caught for stealing money from the company.
- "For *stealing* money from the company" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (got) + noun phrase (money from the company).
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
She plans to steal the priceless artwork from the museum.
He wants to steal the secret documents.
We decided to steal the show with our performance.
They attempted to steal the valuable jewelry.
She refused to steal from her employer.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They avoid stealing from others.
She is considering stealing the spotlight from her competitor.
Experts recommend stealing time for self-care.
Can you imagine yourself stealing a car?
He couldn't resist stealing a glance at her.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like to steal valuable items. They like stealing valuable items.
She began to steal for survival. She began stealing for survival.
He continues to steal from unsuspecting victims. He continues stealing from unsuspecting victims.
