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To Amuse vs Amusing Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 amuse (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to amuse" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to amuse the audience with my jokes.

Amusing (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "amusing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Amusing people is a great way to bring joy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To amuse (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To amuse is his primary goal as a comedian.

    To amuse is his primary goal as a comedian.

    • "*To amuse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his primary goal as a comedian).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to amuse the guests at the party.

    She wants me to amuse the guests at the party.

    • "Me *to amuse* the guests at the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to amuse* the guests at the party).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a funny story to amuse the children.

    I need a funny story to amuse the children.

    • "*To amuse* the children" modifies the noun "story."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a funny story *to amuse* the children).

Amusing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Amusing others is his talent.

    Amusing others is his talent.

    • "*Amusing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his talent).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy amusing my friends with funny stories.

    I enjoy amusing my friends with funny stories.

    • "*Amusing* my friends with funny stories" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*amusing* my friends with funny stories).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for amusing others.

    She has a passion for amusing others.

    • "For *amusing* others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *amusing* others).

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 amuse the audience with her magic tricks.

They hope to amuse everyone with their performance.

He wants to amuse the crowd with his singing.

We decided to amuse the guests with a dance routine.

They agreed to amuse the audience together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys amusing people with her jokes.

They recommend amusing activities for parties.

I dislike the idea of amusing large crowds.

He avoids amusing people with sarcasm.

Can you imagine yourself amusing a stadium full of fans?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to amuse her friends with funny pranks. She likes amusing her friends with funny pranks.

We started to amuse ourselves with board games. We started amusing ourselves with board games.

He began to amuse the audience with his magic tricks. He began amusing the audience with his magic tricks.

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