Help center

To Bounce vs Bouncing 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 bounce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to bounce on the trampoline.

Bouncing (Gerund)

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

Example

Bouncing is a great way to release energy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To bounce (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To bounce is a fun activity for kids.

    To bounce is a fun activity for kids.

    • "*To bounce*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun activity for kids).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to bounce the ball.

    She wants me to bounce the ball.

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

    I need a sturdy surface to bounce the basketball.

    I need a sturdy surface to bounce the basketball.

    • "*To bounce* the basketball" modifies the noun "surface."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy surface *to bounce* the basketball).

Bouncing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Bouncing helps in improving coordination.

    Bouncing helps in improving coordination.

    • "*Bouncing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (in improving coordination).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy bouncing on the bouncy castle.

    I enjoy bouncing on the bouncy castle.

    • "*Bouncing* on the bouncy castle" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*bouncing* on the bouncy castle).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for bouncing on trampolines.

    She has a passion for bouncing on trampolines.

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

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 bounce on the trampoline tomorrow.

They hope to bounce higher during their gymnastics routine.

He wants to bounce on the inflatable castle.

We decided to bounce at the indoor playground this weekend.

They agreed to bounce together on the trampoline.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys bouncing on the exercise ball every day.

They recommend regular bouncing for better balance and coordination.

I dislike the idea of bouncing on a trampoline with a safety net.

He avoids bouncing on hard surfaces to prevent injuries.

Can you imagine yourself bouncing on a giant inflatable slide?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to bounce on the trampoline. She likes bouncing on the trampoline.

We started to bounce competitively. We started bouncing competitively.

He began to bounce the ball against the wall. He began bouncing the ball against the wall.

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!