When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To triangulate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to triangulate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to triangulate the coordinates to find the exact location.
Triangulating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "triangulating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Triangulating the points can help us create an accurate map.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To triangulate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To triangulate is a common method used in surveying.
To triangulate is a common method used in surveying.
- "*To triangulate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common method used in surveying).
- 2Object
She wants me to triangulate the measurements.
She wants me to triangulate the measurements.
- "Me *to triangulate* the measurements" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to triangulate* the measurements).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a compass to triangulate my position.
I need a compass to triangulate my position.
- "*To triangulate* my position" modifies the noun "compass."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a compass *to triangulate* my position).
Triangulating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Triangulating the stars is a technique used in astronomy.
Triangulating the stars is a technique used in astronomy.
- "*Triangulating* the stars" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a technique used in astronomy).
- 2Object
I enjoy triangulating the positions of landmarks.
I enjoy triangulating the positions of landmarks.
- "*Triangulating* the positions of landmarks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*triangulating* the positions of landmarks).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for triangulating distances.
She has a talent for triangulating distances.
- "For *triangulating* distances" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *triangulating* distances).
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
He plans to triangulate the distances between the buildings tomorrow.
We decided to triangulate the angles of the triangle using trigonometry.
They hope to triangulate the coordinates accurately for navigation.
She refused to triangulate the data without proper equipment.
He attempted to triangulate the height of the mountain using a theodolite.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend triangulating the angles for accurate measurements.
He avoids triangulating in areas with obstructed views.
Can you imagine yourself triangulating the location of buried treasure?
We are considering triangulating the boundaries of the property.
Do you mind triangulating the distances between the cities?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to triangulate the coordinates of archaeological sites. She likes triangulating the coordinates of archaeological sites.
We began to triangulate the angles of the triangle. We began triangulating the angles of the triangle.
He will continue to triangulate the data for accurate results. He will continue triangulating the data for accurate results.
