Help center

To Awake vs Awakening Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 awake (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to awake early in the morning.

Awakening (Gerund)

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

Example

Awakening to the sound of birds is a delightful experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To awake (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To awake before sunrise is a peaceful experience.

    To awake before sunrise is a peaceful experience.

    • "*To awake*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a peaceful experience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to awake her at 7 AM.

    She wants me to awake her at 7 AM.

    • "Me *to awake* her at 7 AM" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to awake* her at 7 AM).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need an alarm clock to awake on time.

    I need an alarm clock to awake on time.

    • "*To awake* on time" modifies the noun "alarm clock."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (an alarm clock *to awake* on time).

Awakening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Awakening early allows you to start your day with peace and calmness.

    Awakening early allows you to start your day with peace and calmness.

    • "*Awakening* early" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (allows) + noun phrase (you to start your day with peace and calmness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy awakening to a beautiful sunrise.

    I enjoy awakening to a beautiful sunrise.

    • "*Awakening* to a beautiful sunrise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*awakening* to a beautiful sunrise).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for awakening to the sounds of nature.

    She has a passion for awakening to the sounds of nature.

    • "For *awakening* to the sounds of nature" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *awakening* to the sounds of nature).

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 awake early for the meeting tomorrow.

They hope to awake refreshed after a good night's sleep.

He wants to awake to the sound of birds chirping.

We decided to awake at sunrise for the hike.

They agreed to awake together for the sunrise yoga session.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys awakening to the smell of fresh coffee every morning.

They recommend awakening early for a productive day.

I dislike the feeling of awakening to a noisy alarm clock.

He avoids awakening abruptly to loud noises.

Can you imagine the joy of awakening to a breathtaking view?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to awake before everyone else in the house. She likes awakening to the sound of rain.

We started to awake earlier for a healthier routine. We started awakening to the sound of birds singing.

He began to awake at the crack of dawn. He began awakening to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!