To Catcall vs Catcalling Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To catcall (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to catcall because it is disrespectful.

Catcalling (Gerund)

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

Example

Catcalling is a behavior that should be stopped.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To catcall (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To catcall is a form of harassment.

  To catcall is a form of harassment.

  • "*To catcall*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of harassment).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to catcall at the concert.

  She wants me to catcall at the concert.

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

  I need a sign to catcall for attention.

  I need a sign to catcall for attention.

  • "*To catcall* for attention" modifies the noun "sign."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sign *to catcall* for attention).

Catcalling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Catcalling can make people feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

  Catcalling can make people feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

  • "*Catcalling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can make) + noun phrase (people feel unsafe and uncomfortable).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy catcalling in movies because it adds realism.

  I enjoy catcalling in movies because it adds realism.

  • "*Catcalling* in movies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*catcalling* in movies).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a strong opinion against catcalling.

  She has a strong opinion against catcalling.

  • "Against *catcalling*" is the object of the preposition "against."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a strong opinion against *catcalling*).

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

• decide
• pretend
• wish
• attempt
• struggle

Example

We decided to catcall during the protest.

He pretends to catcall as a joke, but it's not funny.

I wish not to catcall and instead show respect.

They attempted to catcall her, but she stood up for herself.

Many women struggle to catcall as a form of street harassment.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• resist
• understand

Example

He avoids catcalling because it is disrespectful.

They recommend speaking out against catcalling to create change.

I am considering writing a book about the effects of catcalling.

We must resist the urge to engage in catcalling.

It is important to understand the harmful impact of catcalling.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to catcall strangers on the street. She likes catcalling strangers on the street.

They began to catcall after watching a movie. They began catcalling after watching a movie.

He continues to catcall despite the negative consequences. He continues catcalling despite the negative consequences.