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To Cam vs Camming 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 cam (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to cam to connect with my friends and family.

Camming (Gerund)

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

Example

Camming allows people to interact visually over the internet.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cam (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To cam is a popular way to communicate online.

    To cam is a popular way to communicate online.

    • "*To cam*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular way to communicate online).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to cam with her tonight.

    She wants me to cam with her tonight.

    • "Me *to cam* with her tonight" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to cam* with her tonight).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a good webcam to cam effectively.

    I need a good webcam to cam effectively.

    • "*To cam* effectively" modifies the noun "webcam."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good webcam *to cam* effectively).

Camming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Camming has become a popular trend in online communities.

    Camming has become a popular trend in online communities.

    • "*Camming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (has become) + noun phrase (a popular trend in online communities).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy camming with my friends.

    I enjoy camming with my friends.

    • "*Camming* with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*camming* with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for camming.

    She has a passion for camming.

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

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

She plans to cam with her friends later.

They hope to cam with their relatives during the holidays.

He wants to cam with his long-distance partner.

We decided to cam instead of meeting in person.

They agreed to cam for their virtual meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys camming in her free time.

They recommend regular camming for social connection.

I dislike the idea of camming with strangers.

He avoids camming in public spaces.

Can you imagine yourself camming with celebrities?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to cam with her friends. She likes camming with her friends.

We started to cam for virtual meetings. We started camming for virtual meetings.

He began to cam regularly. He began camming regularly.

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