When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To walk (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to walk" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to walk to the store to get some exercise.
Walking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "walking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Walking is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To walk (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To walk is a healthy habit.
To walk is a healthy habit.
- "*To walk*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a healthy habit).
- 2Object
She wants me to walk with her in the park.
She wants me to walk with her in the park.
- "Me *to walk* with her in the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to walk* with her in the park).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need comfortable shoes to walk long distances.
I need comfortable shoes to walk long distances.
- "*To walk* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to walk* long distances).
Walking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Walking every day improves cardiovascular health.
Walking every day improves cardiovascular health.
- "*Walking*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (improves) + noun phrase (cardiovascular health).
- 2Object
I enjoy walking in the park with my dog.
I enjoy walking in the park with my dog.
- "*Walking* in the park with my dog" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*walking* in the park with my dog).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for walking in nature.
She has a passion for walking in nature.
- "For *walking* in nature" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *walking* in nature).
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 walk in the park tomorrow morning.
They hope to walk on the beach during their vacation.
He wants to walk in nature to relax.
We decided to walk instead of taking the bus.
They agreed to walk together in the park.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys walking in the woods every morning.
They recommend regular walking for overall health.
I dislike the idea of walking in the rain.
He avoids walking in crowded areas.
Can you imagine yourself walking along the beach at sunset?
