When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To take (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to take" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to take a vacation to relax and recharge.
Taking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "taking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Taking walks in nature can improve your mood and reduce stress.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To take (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To take a break is important for mental health.
To take a break is important for mental health.
- "*To take* a break" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for mental health).
- 2Object
She wants me to take her to the airport.
She wants me to take her to the airport.
- "Me *to take* her to the airport" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to take* her to the airport).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a bag to take on my trip.
I need a bag to take on my trip.
- "*To take* on my trip" modifies the noun "bag."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bag *to take* on my trip).
Taking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Taking risks is necessary for personal growth.
Taking risks is necessary for personal growth.
- "*Taking* risks" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for personal growth).
- 2Object
I enjoy taking long drives on the weekends.
I enjoy taking long drives on the weekends.
- "*Taking* long drives on the weekends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*taking* long drives on the weekends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for taking beautiful photographs.
She has a talent for taking beautiful photographs.
- "For *taking* beautiful photographs" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *taking* beautiful photographs).
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 take a cooking class next month.
They hope to take a road trip across the country.
He wants to take a photography course.
We decided to take a break from work.
They agreed to take a family vacation this summer.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys taking yoga classes for relaxation.
They recommend taking breaks throughout the workday.
I dislike the idea of taking cold showers.
He avoids taking unnecessary risks.
Can you imagine yourself taking a solo trip around the world?
