When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To be surrounded (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to be surrounded" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to be surrounded by nature.
Surrounding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "surrounding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Surrounding yourself with positive people is important for personal growth.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To be surrounded (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To be surrounded by loved ones is a wonderful feeling.
To be surrounded by loved ones is a wonderful feeling.
- "*To be surrounded* by loved ones" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a wonderful feeling).
- 2Object
She wants us to be surrounded by positivity.
She wants us to be surrounded by positivity.
- "Us *to be surrounded* by positivity" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (us *to be surrounded* by positivity).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a peaceful environment to be surrounded by.
We need a peaceful environment to be surrounded by.
- "*To be surrounded* by a peaceful environment" modifies the noun "environment."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a peaceful environment *to be surrounded* by).
Surrounding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire you.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire you.
- "*Surrounding* yourself with like-minded individuals" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can inspire) + noun phrase (you).
- 2Object
I enjoy surrounding myself with nature.
I enjoy surrounding myself with nature.
- "*Surrounding* myself with nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*surrounding* myself with nature).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for surrounding herself with art.
She has a passion for surrounding herself with art.
- "For *surrounding* herself with art" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *surrounding* herself with art).
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 hope to be surrounded by friends and family during their birthday celebration.
She plans to be surrounded by nature on her vacation.
We decided to be surrounded by positive energy and good vibes.
I wish to be surrounded by happiness and love.
He wants to be surrounded by success and prosperity.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys surrounding herself with positive energy every day.
They recommend surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family.
He avoids surrounding himself with negativity and toxic people.
Can you imagine yourself surrounding yourself with beauty and tranquility?
We are considering surrounding ourselves with new experiences and opportunities.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to be surrounded by nature. She likes surrounding herself with nature.
We started to be surrounded by positivity. We started surrounding ourselves with positivity.
He began to be surrounded by love and support. He began surrounding himself with love and support.
