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To Crave vs Craving 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 crave (Infinitive)

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

Example

I crave to eat chocolate whenever I'm stressed.

Craving (Gerund)

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

Example

Craving chocolate is a common occurrence during PMS.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To crave (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To crave is a natural human instinct.

    To crave is a natural human instinct.

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

    She wants me to crave healthy foods.

    She wants me to crave healthy foods.

    • "Me *to crave* healthy foods" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to crave* healthy foods).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need something to crave besides sweets.

    I need something to crave besides sweets.

    • "*To crave* besides sweets" modifies the noun "something."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (something *to crave* besides sweets).

Craving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Craving chocolate is a sign of low magnesium levels.

    Craving chocolate is a sign of low magnesium levels.

    • "*Craving* chocolate" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of low magnesium levels).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy craving exotic foods.

    I enjoy craving exotic foods.

    • "*Craving* exotic foods" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*craving* exotic foods).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a weakness for craving salty snacks.

    She has a weakness for craving salty snacks.

    • "For *craving* salty snacks" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a weakness for *craving* salty snacks).

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

They hope to crave healthier options in the future.

He wants to crave less junk food.

We choose to crave nutritious meals.

She determined to crave vegetables instead of chips.

They managed to crave water instead of soda.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend avoiding craving sugary treats.

She enjoys craving spicy food.

I don't mind craving healthy snacks.

He considers craving sweets a weakness.

She avoids craving high-calorie desserts.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to crave new culinary experiences. She likes craving new culinary experiences.

We began to crave more vegetables in our diet. We began craving more vegetables in our diet.

He continues to crave sugary snacks. He continues craving sugary snacks.

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