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To Chirp vs Chirping 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 chirp (Infinitive)

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

Example

The birds chirped in the morning.

Chirping (Gerund)

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

Example

Chirping is a pleasant sound in nature.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To chirp (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To chirp is a common behavior of birds.

    To chirp is a common behavior of birds.

    • "*To chirp*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common behavior of birds).
  • 2Object

    I heard the birds to chirp loudly.

    I heard the birds to chirp loudly.

    • "The birds *to chirp* loudly" is the object of the verb "heard."
    • Noun (I) + verb (heard) + noun phrase (the birds *to chirp* loudly).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a quiet place to chirp.

    He needs a quiet place to chirp.

    • "*To chirp*" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to chirp*).

Chirping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Chirping of birds can be heard all day long.

    Chirping of birds can be heard all day long.

    • "*Chirping* of birds" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be heard) + noun phrase (all day long).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy the melodious chirping of birds.

    I enjoy the melodious chirping of birds.

    • "The melodious *chirping* of birds" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (the melodious *chirping* of birds).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for chirping birds.

    She has a passion for chirping birds.

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

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 chirp early in the morning.

They hope to chirp harmoniously with other birds.

He wants to chirp in the peaceful garden.

We decided to chirp in unison.

They agreed to chirp cheerfully together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys chirping along with the birds in the morning.

They recommend regular chirping for a peaceful environment.

I dislike the constant chirping of noisy birds.

He avoids chirping near the bird's nest.

Can you imagine yourself chirping like a bird?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to chirp early in the morning. She likes chirping early in the morning.

We started to chirp as the sun rose. We started chirping as the sun rose.

He began to chirp to attract a mate. He began chirping to attract a mate.

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