To Bound vs Bounding Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To bound (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to bound across the field like a gazelle.

Bounding (Gerund)

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

Example

Bounding is a thrilling way to experience freedom.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To bound (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To bound is a natural instinct for some animals.

  To bound is a natural instinct for some animals.

  • "*To bound*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural instinct for some animals).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to bound over the hurdles.

  She wants me to bound over the hurdles.

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

  I need a wide open space to bound freely.

  I need a wide open space to bound freely.

  • "*To bound* freely" modifies the noun "space."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wide open space *to bound* freely).

Bounding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Bounding requires strength and agility.

  Bounding requires strength and agility.

  • "*Bounding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and agility).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy bounding through the meadows.

  I enjoy bounding through the meadows.

  • "*Bounding* through the meadows" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*bounding* through the meadows).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for bounding over obstacles.

  She has a passion for bounding over obstacles.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to bound through the forest tomorrow.

They hope to bound with joy when they see each other.

He wants to bound to the top of the mountain.

We decided to bound along the beach this weekend.

They agreed to bound together in perfect synchronization.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys bounding in the park every afternoon.

They recommend regular bounding for improved cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of bounding in small spaces.

He avoids bounding on hard surfaces to prevent injuries.

Can you imagine yourself bounding through the wilderness?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to bound across the fields. She likes bounding across the fields.

We started to bound competitively. We started bounding competitively.

He began to bound every morning. He began bounding every morning.