When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To sunbathe (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to sunbathe" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to sunbathe on the beach to get a tan.
Sunbathing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "sunbathing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Sunbathing is a great way to relax and soak up the sun.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To sunbathe (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To sunbathe is a popular activity during the summer.
To sunbathe is a popular activity during the summer.
- "*To sunbathe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity during the summer).
- 2Object
She wants me to sunbathe with her.
She wants me to sunbathe with her.
- "Me *to sunbathe* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sunbathe* with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to sunbathe in.
I need a comfortable chair to sunbathe in.
- "*To sunbathe* in" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to sunbathe* in).
Sunbathing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Sunbathing helps in getting a beautiful tan.
Sunbathing helps in getting a beautiful tan.
- "*Sunbathing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (in getting a beautiful tan).
- 2Object
I enjoy sunbathing on the deck.
I enjoy sunbathing on the deck.
- "*Sunbathing* on the deck" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sunbathing* on the deck).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for sunbathing in exotic locations.
She has a passion for sunbathing in exotic locations.
- "For *sunbathing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *sunbathing* in exotic locations).
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
They plan to sunbathe at the poolside tomorrow.
He hopes to sunbathe on the rooftop during his vacation.
We want to sunbathe on the balcony.
She decided to sunbathe at the park this weekend.
They agreed to sunbathe together at the beach.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys sunbathing by the poolside every afternoon.
They recommend regular sunbathing for a healthy glow.
I dislike the idea of sunbathing in extreme heat.
She avoids sunbathing without sunscreen protection.
Can you imagine yourself sunbathing on a pristine beach?
