When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To turn (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to turn" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to turn left at the next intersection.
Turning (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "turning" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Turning off the lights before leaving is a good habit.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To turn (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To turn is essential for safe driving.
To turn is essential for safe driving.
- "*To turn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for safe driving).
- 2Object
She wants me to turn off the lights.
She wants me to turn off the lights.
- "Me *to turn* off the lights" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to turn* off the lights).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a screwdriver to turn the screws.
I need a screwdriver to turn the screws.
- "*To turn* the screws" modifies the noun "screwdriver."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a screwdriver *to turn* the screws).
Turning (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Turning off the lights saves energy.
Turning off the lights saves energy.
- "*Turning* off the lights" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (saves) + noun phrase (energy).
- 2Object
I enjoy turning the pages of a book.
I enjoy turning the pages of a book.
- "*Turning* the pages of a book" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*turning* the pages of a book).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a fear of turning corners while driving.
He has a fear of turning corners while driving.
- "Of *turning* corners while driving" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *turning* corners while driving).
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 turn right at the traffic light.
They hope to turn their hobby into a business.
She wants to turn the music down.
We decided to turn off our phones during the meeting.
They agreed to turn the project in on time.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys turning her hobbies into careers.
They recommend turning off electronic devices before bedtime.
I dislike turning down opportunities.
He avoids turning his back on challenges.
Can you imagine turning your passion into a profession?
