When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To tutoy (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to tutoy" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to tutoy my colleagues to create a more casual work environment.
Tutoying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "tutoying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Tutoying can help build rapport quickly.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To tutoy (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To tutoy is a common practice in some cultures.
To tutoy is a common practice in some cultures.
- "*To tutoy*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in some cultures).
- 2Object
She wants me to tutoy her.
She wants me to tutoy her.
- "Me *to tutoy* her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to tutoy* her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a reason to tutoy my boss.
I need a reason to tutoy my boss.
- "*To tutoy* my boss" modifies the noun "reason."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to tutoy* my boss).
Tutoying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Tutoying is considered impolite in some formal settings.
Tutoying is considered impolite in some formal settings.
- "*Tutoying*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (considered impolite in some formal settings).
- 2Object
I enjoy tutoying my close friends.
I enjoy tutoying my close friends.
- "*Tutoying* my close friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*tutoying* my close friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a preference for tutoying.
She has a preference for tutoying.
- "For *tutoying*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *tutoying*).
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 tutoy his classmates at the reunion.
We hope to tutoy our new neighbors.
They want to tutoy their clients for a more personalized experience.
She decided to tutoy her online friends.
They agreed to tutoy each other to foster a sense of equality.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys tutoying strangers and making new connections.
Experts recommend gradually tutoying colleagues to establish trust.
She dislikes the act of tutoying acquaintances too soon.
They avoid tutoying authority figures in professional settings.
Can you imagine yourself tutoying your superiors at work?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to tutoy people I feel comfortable with. I like tutoying people I feel comfortable with.
We started to tutoy each other after becoming good friends. We started tutoying each other after becoming good friends.
He began to tutoy his co-workers to promote a friendly atmosphere. He began tutoying his co-workers to promote a friendly atmosphere.
