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To Calve vs Calving 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 calve (Infinitive)

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

Example

The cow is expected to calve next month.

Calving (Gerund)

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

Example

Calving requires careful monitoring.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To calve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To calve is a natural process for cows.

    To calve is a natural process for cows.

    • "*To calve*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process for cows).
  • 2Object

    They want the cow to calve in the barn.

    They want the cow to calve in the barn.

    • "The cow *to calve* in the barn" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the cow *to calve* in the barn).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a separate area to calve our cows.

    We need a separate area to calve our cows.

    • "*To calve* our cows" modifies the noun "area."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a separate area *to calve* our cows).

Calving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Calving is an important event for farmers.

    Calving is an important event for farmers.

    • "*Calving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important event for farmers).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy watching the process of calving.

    I enjoy watching the process of calving.

    • "Watching the process of *calving*" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (watching the process of *calving*).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has experience in calving cows.

    She has experience in calving cows.

    • "In *calving* cows" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *calving* cows).

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

The farmer plans to calve the cows in the spring.

They hope to calve healthy calves this year.

She wants the cow to calve safely.

We decided to calve the cows in the pasture.

They agreed to calve their cows at the same time.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys calving cows on his farm.

They recommend professional assistance during calving.

Farmers try to avoid difficulties in calving cows.

Can you imagine the challenges of calving in harsh weather?

She doesn't mind helping with calving.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to calve the cows himself. He likes calving the cows himself.

We started to calve our cows early this year. We started calving our cows early this year.

They began to calve their cows in the barn. They began calving their cows in the barn.

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