When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To strive (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to strive" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to strive for success in my career.
Striving (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "striving" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Striving for success requires dedication and perseverance.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To strive (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To strive for excellence is admirable.
To strive for excellence is admirable.
- "*To strive* for excellence" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (admirable).
- 2Object
She wants me to strive for perfection.
She wants me to strive for perfection.
- "Me *to strive* for perfection" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to strive* for perfection).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a challenging project to strive on.
I need a challenging project to strive on.
- "*To strive* on" modifies the noun "project."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a challenging project *to strive* on).
Striving (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Striving for improvement is essential for growth.
Striving for improvement is essential for growth.
- "*Striving* for improvement" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for growth).
- 2Object
I enjoy striving for my goals.
I enjoy striving for my goals.
- "*Striving* for my goals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*striving* for my goals).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for striving towards success.
She has a passion for striving towards success.
- "For *striving* towards success" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *striving* towards success).
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 strive for greatness in her field.
They hope to strive for better opportunities.
He wants to strive for personal growth.
We decided to strive for work-life balance.
They agreed to strive for excellence together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys striving for excellence in her work.
They recommend continuous striving for personal development.
I dislike the idea of striving for perfection.
He avoids striving for unrealistic goals.
Can you imagine yourself striving for greatness?
