When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To watch (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to watch" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to watch a movie tonight.
Watching (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "watching" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Watching movies is a popular hobby.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To watch (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To watch movies is my favorite pastime.
To watch movies is my favorite pastime.
- "*To watch* movies" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my favorite pastime).
- 2Object
She wants me to watch the game with her.
She wants me to watch the game with her.
- "Me *to watch* the game with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to watch* the game with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to watch TV.
I need a comfortable chair to watch TV.
- "*To watch* TV" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to watch* TV).
Watching (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Watching TV shows can be addictive.
Watching TV shows can be addictive.
- "*Watching* TV shows" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (addictive).
- 2Object
I enjoy watching documentaries about nature.
I enjoy watching documentaries about nature.
- "*Watching* documentaries about nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*watching* documentaries about nature).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for watching live performances.
She has a passion for watching live performances.
- "For *watching* live performances" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *watching* live performances).
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 watch a movie at the theater tomorrow.
I hope to watch the sunset on the beach tonight.
He wants to watch a documentary about space exploration.
We decided to watch a comedy show this evening.
They agreed to watch a thriller movie together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys watching action movies in the cinema.
They recommend watching foreign films for cultural exposure.
I dislike the idea of watching horror movies alone.
She avoids watching violent movies before bed.
Can you imagine yourself watching a movie under the stars?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to watch romantic comedies. She likes watching romantic comedies.
We started to watch a new TV series. We started watching a new TV series.
He began to watch documentaries about history. He began watching documentaries about history.
