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To Cabal vs Caballing 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 cabal (Infinitive)

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

Example

They decided to cabal against their competitors.

Caballing (Gerund)

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

Example

Caballing is frowned upon in professional settings.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cabal (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To cabal is a secretive act.

    To cabal is a secretive act.

    • "*To cabal*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a secretive act).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to cabal with him.

    He wants me to cabal with him.

    • "Me *to cabal* with him" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to cabal* with him).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a strategy to cabal effectively.

    We need a strategy to cabal effectively.

    • "*To cabal* effectively" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to cabal* effectively).

Caballing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Caballing requires secrecy.

    Caballing requires secrecy.

    • "*Caballing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (secrecy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy caballing with like-minded individuals.

    I enjoy caballing with like-minded individuals.

    • "*Caballing* with like-minded individuals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*caballing* with like-minded individuals).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a talent for caballing.

    They have a talent for caballing.

    • "For *caballing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *caballing*).

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 plan to cabal against their rivals next month.

She refused to cabal with them due to ethical concerns.

He attempted to cabal for power but failed.

They pretended to cabal for a common cause.

We chose to cabal as a means to achieve our goals.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids caballing in political affairs.

They consider caballing as a manipulative tactic.

Experts recommend against caballing for personal gain.

Can you imagine yourself caballing with powerful individuals?

He resisted caballing despite pressure from his peers.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to cabal in secret. She likes caballing behind closed doors.

They started to cabal against their opponents. They started caballing against their opponents.

He began to cabal with influential figures. He began caballing with influential figures.

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