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To Awaken vs Awakening 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 awaken (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to awaken early to watch the sunrise.

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 rain is so peaceful.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To awaken (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To awaken is essential for a productive day.

    To awaken is essential for a productive day.

    • "*To awaken*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a productive day).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to awaken her tomorrow morning.

    She wants me to awaken her tomorrow morning.

    • "Me *to awaken* her tomorrow morning" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to awaken* her tomorrow morning).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need an alarm clock to awaken me on time.

    I need an alarm clock to awaken me on time.

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

Awakening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Awakening early has its benefits.

    Awakening early has its benefits.

    • "*Awakening* early" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (has) + noun phrase (its benefits).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy awakening to a hot cup of coffee.

    I enjoy awakening to a hot cup of coffee.

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

    She has a fear of awakening to a nightmare.

    She has a fear of awakening to a nightmare.

    • "Of *awakening* to a nightmare" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *awakening* to a nightmare).

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

He plans to awaken early for the meeting.

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

She wants to awaken to the sound of birds chirping.

We decided to awaken at dawn for the hike.

They agreed to awaken together for the sunrise.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys awakening to the sound of waves crashing.

They recommend awakening early for a productive day.

I dislike the feeling of awakening abruptly from a deep sleep.

She avoids awakening to loud noises.

Can you imagine awakening to a beautiful sunrise every morning?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to awaken to the smell of fresh coffee. She likes awakening to the smell of fresh coffee.

We started to awaken earlier for morning meditation. We started awakening earlier for morning meditation.

He began to awaken with a sense of purpose. He began awakening with a sense of purpose.

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