When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To straddle (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to straddle" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to straddle the fence to get a better view.
Straddling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "straddling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Straddling the fence can be uncomfortable.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To straddle (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To straddle is a unique way of sitting on an object.
To straddle is a unique way of sitting on an object.
- "*To straddle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique way of sitting on an object).
- 2Object
She wants me to straddle the motorcycle.
She wants me to straddle the motorcycle.
- "Me *to straddle* the motorcycle" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to straddle* the motorcycle).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a sturdy chair to straddle during my circus act.
I need a sturdy chair to straddle during my circus act.
- "*To straddle* during my circus act" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy chair *to straddle* during my circus act).
Straddling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Straddling requires balance and coordination.
Straddling requires balance and coordination.
- "*Straddling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (balance and coordination).
- 2Object
I enjoy straddling the motorcycle.
I enjoy straddling the motorcycle.
- "*Straddling* the motorcycle" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*straddling* the motorcycle).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for straddling different objects.
She has a talent for straddling different objects.
- "For *straddling* different objects" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *straddling* different objects).
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 straddle the balance beam during his routine.
They hope to straddle the horse in their equestrian competition.
She wants to straddle the bicycle without falling off.
We decided to straddle the fence for a better view.
They agreed to straddle the log to cross the river.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys straddling the balance beam during his gymnastics routine.
They recommend straddling the horse with confidence and control.
I dislike the feeling of straddling a narrow surface.
She avoids straddling the fence due to fear of heights.
Can you imagine yourself straddling a moving vehicle?
