When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To understand (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to understand" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to understand the concept before moving forward.
Understanding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "understanding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Understanding different perspectives is important in negotiations.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To understand (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To understand is the key to success.
To understand is the key to success.
- "*To understand*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the key to success).
- 2Object
She wants me to understand her point of view.
She wants me to understand her point of view.
- "Me *to understand* her point of view" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to understand* her point of view).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a clear explanation to understand the process.
I need a clear explanation to understand the process.
- "*To understand* the process" modifies the noun "explanation."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear explanation *to understand* the process).
Understanding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Understanding is a valuable skill in the workplace.
Understanding is a valuable skill in the workplace.
- "*Understanding*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill in the workplace).
- 2Object
I enjoy understanding complex theories.
I enjoy understanding complex theories.
- "*Understanding* complex theories" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*understanding* complex theories).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for understanding people's emotions.
He has a talent for understanding people's emotions.
- "For *understanding* people's emotions" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *understanding* people's emotions).
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
They agreed to understand the requirements before proceeding.
I hope to understand the topic better after studying.
We decided to understand the problem before suggesting solutions.
He wants to understand the instructions clearly.
She determined to understand the implications of the decision.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys understanding different cultures.
They recommend developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
I consider understanding others' perspectives to be crucial in teamwork.
He avoids understanding complex mathematical equations.
Can you imagine the power of understanding human behavior?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to understand new concepts. I like understanding new concepts.
We started to understand each other's viewpoints. We started understanding each other's viewpoints.
He began to understand the intricacies of the problem. He began understanding the intricacies of the problem.
