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Notes from a Native English Speaker
Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions.Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!
To maintain (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to maintain" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "maintaining" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is important for overall well-being.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To maintain (Infinitive)
1Subject
To maintain good health, it is important to exercise regularly.
To maintain good health, it is important to exercise regularly.
- "*To maintain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important to exercise regularly).
2Object
She wants me to maintain the garden.
She wants me to maintain the garden.
- "Me *to maintain* the garden" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to maintain* the garden).
3Adjective Modifier
I need a balanced diet to maintain my weight.
I need a balanced diet to maintain my weight.
- "*To maintain* my weight" modifies the noun "diet."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a balanced diet *to maintain* my weight).
Maintaining (Gerund)
1Subject
Maintaining a balanced diet contributes to good health.
Maintaining a balanced diet contributes to good health.
- "*Maintaining* a balanced diet" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (contributes) + noun phrase (to good health).
2Object
I enjoy maintaining a clean and tidy home.
I enjoy maintaining a clean and tidy home.
- "*Maintaining* a clean and tidy home" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*maintaining* a clean and tidy home).
3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
She has a passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- "For *maintaining* a healthy lifestyle" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *maintaining* a healthy lifestyle).
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
- plan
- hope
- want
- decide
- agree
Example
She plans to maintain her fitness level throughout the year.
They hope to maintain a positive mindset during challenging times.
He wants to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
We decided to maintain a strict budget for our upcoming trip.
They agreed to maintain open communication in their relationship.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
- enjoy
- recommend
- dislike
- avoid
- imagine
Example
She enjoys maintaining a regular exercise routine.
They recommend maintaining a positive attitude in challenging situations.
I dislike the idea of maintaining a strict diet.
He avoids maintaining toxic relationships.
Can you imagine yourself maintaining a successful career?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
- like
- start
- begin
Example
She likes to maintain a neat and organized workspace.She likes maintaining a neat and organized workspace.
We started to maintain a daily journal.We started maintaining a daily journal.
He began to maintain a regular exercise routine.He began maintaining a regular exercise routine.
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