When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To wed (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to wed" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to wed my partner in a beautiful ceremony.
Wedding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "wedding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Wedding planning can be stressful, but it's worth it in the end.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To wed (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To wed is a lifelong commitment.
To wed is a lifelong commitment.
- "*To wed*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lifelong commitment).
- 2Object
She wants me to wed her in a church.
She wants me to wed her in a church.
- "Me *to wed* her in a church" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to wed* her in a church).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a wedding venue to wed their guests.
They need a wedding venue to wed their guests.
- "*To wed* their guests" modifies the noun "wedding venue."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wedding venue *to wed* their guests).
Wedding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Wedding preparations are underway.
Wedding preparations are underway.
- "*Wedding* preparations" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (are) + noun phrase (underway).
- 2Object
I enjoy attending weddings of friends and family.
I enjoy attending weddings of friends and family.
- "Attending *weddings* of friends and family" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (attending *weddings* of friends and family).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for wedding photography.
She has a talent for wedding photography.
- "For *wedding* photography" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *wedding* photography).
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 wed on a sunny beach.
We hope to wed in a beautiful garden.
He wants to wed his high school sweetheart.
She decided to wed in a grand castle.
They agreed to wed in a small intimate ceremony.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy wedding dancing and celebrating with friends.
I recommend hiring a professional for your wedding photography.
We avoid attending large weddings with many guests.
Can you imagine the joy of wedding planning?
He is considering a career in wedding planning.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to wed in traditional ceremonies. She likes wedding traditions.
They started to wed each other at a young age. They started wedding preparations early.
He began to wed couples as a marriage officiant. He began wedding planning for his clients.
