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To Burst vs Bursting 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 burst (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to burst with excitement when I receive the good news.

Bursting (Gerund)

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

Example

Bursting with energy, he ran around the playground.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To burst (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To burst is a natural reaction when you are overwhelmed with emotions.

    To burst is a natural reaction when you are overwhelmed with emotions.

    • "*To burst*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural reaction).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to burst the balloon.

    She wants me to burst the balloon.

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

    I need a pin to burst the bubble.

    I need a pin to burst the bubble.

    • "*To burst* the bubble" modifies the noun "pin."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pin *to burst* the bubble).

Bursting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Bursting with creativity, she painted a beautiful masterpiece.

    Bursting with creativity, she painted a beautiful masterpiece.

    • "*Bursting* with creativity" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (with) + noun phrase (creativity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy bursting balloons.

    I enjoy bursting balloons.

    • "*Bursting* balloons" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*bursting* balloons).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for bursting into song.

    She has a talent for bursting into song.

    • "For *bursting* into song" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *bursting* into song).

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

They hope to burst with joy when they win the competition.

He wants to burst into tears when he sees his favorite movie.

We decided to burst into laughter at the funny joke.

She chose to burst out singing in the middle of the concert.

I learned to burst out laughing at unexpected moments.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys bursting into laughter during comedy shows.

They recommend bursting with positive energy every morning.

He avoids bursting into anger during arguments.

Can you imagine yourself bursting into tears of joy?

They consider bursting into applause after the performance.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to burst into song when she's happy. She likes bursting bubbles.

We started to burst out laughing at the hilarious joke. We started bursting with excitement.

He began to burst into tears when he heard the sad news. He began bursting with pride.

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