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To Calk vs Calking 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 calk (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to calk the windows to prevent leaks.

Calking (Gerund)

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

Example

Calking is an important step in home maintenance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To calk (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To calk requires attention to detail.

    To calk requires attention to detail.

    • "*To calk*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to calk the bathtub.

    She wants me to calk the bathtub.

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

    We need a special tool to calk the gaps.

    We need a special tool to calk the gaps.

    • "*To calk* the gaps" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a special tool *to calk* the gaps).

Calking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Calking can prevent water damage.

    Calking can prevent water damage.

    • "*Calking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (water damage).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy calking the gaps between tiles.

    I enjoy calking the gaps between tiles.

    • "*Calking* the gaps between tiles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*calking* the gaps between tiles).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for calking.

    She has a talent for calking.

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

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

He plans to calk the deck next weekend.

They hope to calk the windows before it rains.

I want to calk the door to improve insulation.

We decided to calk the cracks in the foundation.

They agreed to calk the seams together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend regular calking for better insulation.

I am considering calking the windows myself.

They avoid calking in cold weather.

Can you imagine calking the entire house on your own?

She suggests calking the cracks before painting.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to calk the edges carefully. He likes calking the edges carefully.

We started to calk the boat hull. We started calking the boat hull.

She began to calk the gaps in the walls. She began calking the gaps in the walls.

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