When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To vary (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to vary" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
We need to vary our workout routine to prevent boredom.
Varying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "varying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Varying your workouts can help prevent plateaus.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To vary (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To vary your diet is important for overall health.
To vary your diet is important for overall health.
- "*To vary* your diet" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for overall health).
- 2Object
She wants me to vary my hairstyle.
She wants me to vary my hairstyle.
- "Me *to vary* my hairstyle" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to vary* my hairstyle).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs different ingredients to vary his recipes.
He needs different ingredients to vary his recipes.
- "Different ingredients *to vary* his recipes" modifies the noun "ingredients."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (different ingredients *to vary* his recipes).
Varying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Varying your approach can lead to better problem-solving.
Varying your approach can lead to better problem-solving.
- "*Varying* your approach" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (better problem-solving).
- 2Object
He enjoys varying his workout routine.
He enjoys varying his workout routine.
- "*Varying* his workout routine" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*varying* his workout routine).
- 3Object of Preposition
We are open to varying our plans based on the weather.
We are open to varying our plans based on the weather.
- "*Varying* our plans based on the weather" is the object of the preposition "to."
- Noun phrase (We) + verb (are open to) + noun phrase (*varying* our plans based on the weather).
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 plan to vary their exercise routine next month.
I hope to vary my daily routine for a change.
She wants to vary her wardrobe with new accessories.
We decided to vary our travel destinations each year.
They agreed to vary their study methods for better results.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys varying her hairstyle with different colors.
They recommend varying your workout intensity for better results.
He avoids varying his sleeping schedule to maintain consistency.
Can you imagine varying your daily routine completely?
I am considering varying my study methods for better understanding.
