When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To whirr (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to whirr" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to whirr like a helicopter.
Whirring (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "whirring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Whirring can be annoying in a quiet room.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To whirr (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To whirr is a natural sound for a fan.
To whirr is a natural sound for a fan.
- "*To whirr*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural sound for a fan).
- 2Object
She wants me to whirr the blender.
She wants me to whirr the blender.
- "Me *to whirr* the blender" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to whirr* the blender).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a machine to whirr quietly.
I need a machine to whirr quietly.
- "*To whirr* quietly" modifies the noun "machine."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a machine *to whirr* quietly).
Whirring (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Whirring is a common sound in a busy kitchen.
Whirring is a common sound in a busy kitchen.
- "*Whirring*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common sound in a busy kitchen).
- 2Object
I enjoy whirring the blender to make smoothies.
I enjoy whirring the blender to make smoothies.
- "*Whirring* the blender to make smoothies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*whirring* the blender to make smoothies).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fascination with the whirring of machinery.
She has a fascination with the whirring of machinery.
- "With the *whirring* of machinery" is the object of the preposition "with."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fascination with the *whirring* of machinery).
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 whirr the drill tomorrow.
They hope to whirr like a bird with their new invention.
He wants to whirr in harmony with the wind.
We decided to whirr the engine before takeoff.
They agreed to whirr the machine together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys whirring the fan on a hot day.
They recommend regular whirring for optimal performance.
I dislike the constant whirring of the air conditioner.
He avoids whirring the noisy vacuum cleaner.
Can you imagine the soothing sound of whirring in a quiet room?
