When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To transact (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to transact" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I need to transact some business at the bank.
Transacting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "transacting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Transacting business online is becoming increasingly popular.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To transact (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To transact efficiently is important in business.
To transact efficiently is important in business.
- "*To transact* efficiently" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in business).
- 2Object
He wants me to transact the deal for him.
He wants me to transact the deal for him.
- "Me *to transact* the deal" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to transact* the deal).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a secure platform to transact online.
They need a secure platform to transact online.
- "*To transact* online" modifies the noun "platform."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a secure platform *to transact* online).
Transacting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Transacting business requires careful attention to detail.
Transacting business requires careful attention to detail.
- "*Transacting* business" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful attention to detail).
- 2Object
She enjoys transacting with customers and providing excellent service.
She enjoys transacting with customers and providing excellent service.
- "*Transacting* with customers and providing excellent service" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*transacting* with customers and providing excellent service).
- 3Object of Preposition
We are experienced in transacting various types of transactions.
We are experienced in transacting various types of transactions.
- "*Transacting* various types of transactions" is the object of the preposition "in."
- Noun phrase (We) + verb (are) + adjective phrase (experienced in) + gerund (*transacting* various types of transactions).
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 transact all her financial transactions online.
We decided to transact the payment through an electronic transfer.
He attempted to transact the purchase on his own.
I want to transact with a reputable company.
They chose to transact in person instead of online.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys transacting business with international clients.
They avoid transacting with unreliable vendors.
I am considering transacting the sale through an online marketplace.
Experts recommend transacting securely over encrypted networks.
Can you imagine yourself transacting large financial deals?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to transact her banking transactions online. She likes transacting her banking transactions online.
We started to transact business with the new supplier. We started transacting business with the new supplier.
He began to transact real estate deals professionally. He began transacting real estate deals professionally.
