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To Cry vs Crying 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 cry (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to cry because I'm so happy.

Crying (Gerund)

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

Example

Crying can be a way to release emotions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cry (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To cry is a natural emotional response.

    To cry is a natural emotional response.

    • "*To cry*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural emotional response).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to cry tears of joy.

    She wants me to cry tears of joy.

    • "Me *to cry* tears of joy" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to cry* tears of joy).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a tissue to cry into.

    I need a tissue to cry into.

    • "*To cry* into" modifies the noun "tissue."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tissue *to cry* into).

Crying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Crying is a natural human response to sadness.

    Crying is a natural human response to sadness.

    • "*Crying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural human response to sadness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy crying during sad movies.

    I enjoy crying during sad movies.

    • "*Crying* during sad movies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*crying* during sad movies).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of crying in public.

    She has a fear of crying in public.

    • "Of *crying* in public" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *crying* in public).

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 cry at the wedding ceremony.

They hope to cry tears of joy on their graduation day.

He wants to cry with relief after the exam.

We decided to cry together during the emotional movie.

They agreed to cry tears of happiness when they meet again.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys crying alone in her room.

They recommend crying as a way to relieve stress.

I dislike the sound of crying babies.

He avoids crying in front of others.

Can you imagine yourself crying tears of joy?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to cry when she watches emotional movies. She likes crying when she watches emotional movies.

We started to cry tears of joy. We started crying tears of joy.

He began to cry uncontrollably. He began crying uncontrollably.

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