When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To waller (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to waller" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to waller in the mud to cool off.
Wallering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "wallering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Wallering in the mud is a favorite pastime for pigs.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To waller (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To waller in the mud is a fun activity for pigs.
To waller in the mud is a fun activity for pigs.
- "*To waller* in the mud" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun activity for pigs).
- 2Object
She wants me to waller with her in the mud.
She wants me to waller with her in the mud.
- "Me *to waller* with her in the mud" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to waller* with her in the mud).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a muddy area to waller in.
I need a muddy area to waller in.
- "*To waller* in" modifies the noun "area."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a muddy area *to waller* in).
Wallering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Wallering in the mud feels great for pigs.
Wallering in the mud feels great for pigs.
- "*Wallering* in the mud" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (feels) + noun phrase (great for pigs).
- 2Object
I enjoy wallering in the mud puddles.
I enjoy wallering in the mud puddles.
- "*Wallering* in the mud puddles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wallering* in the mud puddles).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for wallering in the dirt.
She has a passion for wallering in the dirt.
- "For *wallering* in the dirt" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *wallering* in the dirt).
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 waller in the muddy puddles tomorrow.
I hope to waller in the clay pit during my vacation.
He wants to waller in the cool mud.
We decided to waller in the dirt today.
They agreed to waller in the wet ground together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys wallering in the muddy pond every day.
They recommend regular wallering for healthier skin.
I dislike the idea of wallering in the wet mud.
He avoids wallering in dirty places.
Can you imagine yourself wallering in the clay pit?
