When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To sunbake (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to sunbake" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to sunbake on the beach to get a tan.
Sunbaking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "sunbaking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Sunbaking can be a relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To sunbake (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To sunbake is a popular activity during summer.
To sunbake is a popular activity during summer.
- "*To sunbake*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity during summer).
- 2Object
She wants me to sunbake with her.
She wants me to sunbake with her.
- "Me *to sunbake* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sunbake* with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable spot to sunbake in.
I need a comfortable spot to sunbake in.
- "*To sunbake* in" modifies the noun "spot."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable spot *to sunbake* in).
Sunbaking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Sunbaking is a favorite pastime at the beach.
Sunbaking is a favorite pastime at the beach.
- "*Sunbaking*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a favorite pastime at the beach).
- 2Object
I enjoy sunbaking under the clear sky.
I enjoy sunbaking under the clear sky.
- "*Sunbaking* under the clear sky" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sunbaking* under the clear sky).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for sunbaking.
She has a passion for sunbaking.
- "For *sunbaking*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *sunbaking*).
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 sunbake at the poolside tomorrow.
They hope to sunbake at the beach during their vacation.
He wants to sunbake for hours in the warm sun.
We decided to sunbake by the lake this weekend.
They agreed to sunbake together on the rooftop.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys sunbaking at the park every afternoon.
They recommend regular sunbaking for vitamin D synthesis.
I dislike the idea of sunbaking without sunscreen.
He avoids sunbaking during peak sun hours.
Can you imagine yourself sunbaking on a tropical island?
