When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To wash (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to wash" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I need to wash my clothes before the trip.
Washing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "washing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Washing the car can be tiring.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To wash (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To wash dishes is one of my daily chores.
To wash dishes is one of my daily chores.
- "*To wash* dishes" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (one of my daily chores).
- 2Object
She wants me to wash her car.
She wants me to wash her car.
- "Me *to wash* her car" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to wash* her car).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a new sponge to wash the dishes.
I need a new sponge to wash the dishes.
- "*To wash* the dishes" modifies the noun "sponge."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new sponge *to wash* the dishes).
Washing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Washing your hands regularly is important for hygiene.
Washing your hands regularly is important for hygiene.
- "*Washing* your hands regularly" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for hygiene).
- 2Object
I enjoy washing my car on weekends.
I enjoy washing my car on weekends.
- "*Washing* my car on weekends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*washing* my car on weekends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for washing clothes.
She has a talent for washing clothes.
- "For *washing* clothes" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *washing* clothes).
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
He plans to wash his car tomorrow.
They hope to wash the windows this weekend.
She wants to wash her clothes by hand.
We decided to wash the car at the carwash.
They agreed to wash the dishes together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys washing his car in the sunshine.
They recommend using cold water when washing delicate fabrics.
She dislikes washing the dishes after dinner.
I avoid washing my hair every day to maintain its natural oils.
Can you imagine yourself washing a large pile of laundry?
