When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To wait (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to wait" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to wait for my friend before we leave.
Waiting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "waiting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Waiting can be frustrating, but it's sometimes necessary.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To wait (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To wait is the hardest part of any journey.
To wait is the hardest part of any journey.
- "*To wait*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the hardest part of any journey).
- 2Object
She wants me to wait for her at the restaurant.
She wants me to wait for her at the restaurant.
- "Me *to wait* for her at the restaurant" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to wait* for her at the restaurant).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to wait in.
I need a comfortable chair to wait in.
- "*To wait* in" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to wait* in).
Waiting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Waiting in line is a common experience.
Waiting in line is a common experience.
- "*Waiting* in line" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common experience).
- 2Object
I enjoy waiting for the sunset.
I enjoy waiting for the sunset.
- "*Waiting* for the sunset" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*waiting* for the sunset).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for waiting patiently.
She has a talent for waiting patiently.
- "For *waiting* patiently" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *waiting* patiently).
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
She plans to wait for the bus at the stop.
They hope to wait for the concert tickets to go on sale.
He wants to wait for the rain to stop before going outside.
We decided to wait for our turn patiently.
They agreed to wait for their friends at the restaurant.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys waiting for her coffee to brew every morning.
They recommend waiting for the right opportunity before making a decision.
I dislike the idea of waiting in long lines.
He avoids waiting in crowded places.
Can you imagine yourself waiting for hours without getting bored?
