To Cling vs Clinging 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 cling (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to cling to every moment of this vacation.

Clinging (Gerund)

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

Example

Clinging to old habits can hinder personal growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cling (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To cling is a natural instinct for babies.

  To cling is a natural instinct for babies.

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

  She wants me to cling to her during the scary movie.

  She wants me to cling to her during the scary movie.

  • "Me *to cling* to her during the scary movie" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to cling* to her during the scary movie).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong rope to cling onto.

  I need a strong rope to cling onto.

  • "*To cling* onto" modifies the noun "rope."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong rope *to cling* onto).

Clinging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Clinging to the past will only hold you back.

  Clinging to the past will only hold you back.

  • "*Clinging* to the past" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (will only hold) + noun phrase (you back).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy clinging to my loved ones.

  I enjoy clinging to my loved ones.

  • "*Clinging* to my loved ones" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*clinging* to my loved ones).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of clinging to toxic relationships.

  She has a fear of clinging to toxic relationships.

  • "Of *clinging* to toxic relationships" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *clinging* to toxic relationships).

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

• hope
• decide
• refuse
• choose
• determine

Example

They hope to cling to each other in times of trouble.

We decided to cling to our dreams and never give up.

He refused to cling to outdated beliefs.

She chose to cling to her faith in difficult times.

We determined to cling to our values no matter what.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• imagine
• understand

Example

He avoids clinging to negative thoughts.

They consider clinging to traditions an important part of their culture.

I recommend clinging to a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.

Can you imagine yourself clinging to a cliff for dear life?

I understand the difficulty of clinging to hope in challenging times.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to cling to her favorite teddy bear. She likes clinging to her favorite teddy bear.

We began to cling tightly to each other for support. We began clinging tightly to each other for support.

He continues to cling to his childhood dreams. He continues clinging to his childhood dreams.