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To Bark vs Barking 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 bark (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to bark at the mailman.

Barking (Gerund)

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

Example

Barking can be annoying to some people.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To bark (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To bark is a natural behavior for dogs.

    To bark is a natural behavior for dogs.

    • "*To bark*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural behavior for dogs).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to bark at strangers.

    She wants me to bark at strangers.

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

    I need a strong dog to bark at intruders.

    I need a strong dog to bark at intruders.

    • "*To bark* at intruders" modifies the noun "dog."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong dog *to bark* at intruders).

Barking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Barking is a common complaint in residential areas.

    Barking is a common complaint in residential areas.

    • "*Barking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common complaint in residential areas).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy barking during playtime.

    I enjoy barking during playtime.

    • "*Barking* during playtime" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*barking* during playtime).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of barking dogs.

    She has a fear of barking dogs.

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

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 bark loudly when someone knocks on the door.

They hope to bark less at night.

He wants to bark at squirrels in the backyard.

We decided to bark at the sound of the doorbell.

They agreed to bark when they hear a strange noise.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys barking at the park.

They recommend training techniques to reduce excessive barking.

I dislike the sound of constant barking.

He avoids areas with loud barking dogs.

Can you imagine living next to a house with nonstop barking?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to bark at squirrels in the garden. She likes barking at squirrels in the garden.

We started to bark at the doorbell. We started barking at the doorbell.

He began to bark more frequently. He began barking more frequently.

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