When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To swap (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to swap" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to swap my book with yours.
Swapping (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "swapping" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Swapping is a popular way to get new items without spending money.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To swap (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To swap is a common practice in online trading.
To swap is a common practice in online trading.
- "*To swap*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in online trading).
- 2Object
She wants me to swap my toy for hers.
She wants me to swap my toy for hers.
- "Me *to swap* my toy for hers" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to swap* my toy for hers).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a new phone to swap my old one.
I need a new phone to swap my old one.
- "*To swap* my old one" modifies the noun "phone."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new phone *to swap* my old one).
Swapping (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Swapping requires trust between the parties involved.
Swapping requires trust between the parties involved.
- "*Swapping*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (trust between the parties involved).
- 2Object
I enjoy swapping clothes with my friends.
I enjoy swapping clothes with my friends.
- "*Swapping* clothes with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*swapping* clothes with my friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for swapping various items.
She has a talent for swapping various items.
- "For *swapping* various items" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *swapping* various items).
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 swap her clothes with her sister.
They hope to swap their tickets for a different date.
He wants to swap his car for a motorcycle.
We decided to swap our apartment with another couple.
They agreed to swap their shifts at work.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys swapping recipes with her neighbors.
They recommend swapping books for a more sustainable reading habit.
I dislike the idea of swapping my car for a different model.
He avoids swapping personal information with strangers.
Can you imagine swapping your house with someone from a different country?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to swap her accessories with her sister. She likes swapping clothes with her sister.
We started to swap our collectibles with other enthusiasts. We started swapping our collectibles with other enthusiasts.
He began to swap his vinyl records for digital music. He began swapping his vinyl records for digital music.
