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To Crumple vs Crumpling 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 crumple (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to crumple the paper into a ball.

Crumpling (Gerund)

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

Example

Crumpling the paper creates a satisfying sound.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To crumple (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To crumple the paper requires a strong grip.

    To crumple the paper requires a strong grip.

    • "*To crumple* the paper" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a strong grip).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to crumple the document.

    She wants me to crumple the document.

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

    I need a soft cloth to crumple the clothes.

    I need a soft cloth to crumple the clothes.

    • "*To crumple* the clothes" modifies the noun "cloth."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft cloth *to crumple* the clothes).

Crumpling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Crumpling paper can be therapeutic.

    Crumpling paper can be therapeutic.

    • "*Crumpling* paper" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (therapeutic).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy crumpling the newspaper.

    I enjoy crumpling the newspaper.

    • "*Crumpling* the newspaper" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*crumpling* the newspaper).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for crumpling origami paper.

    She has a talent for crumpling origami paper.

    • "For *crumpling* origami paper" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *crumpling* origami paper).

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 crumple the paper and throw it away.

They hope to crumple the cardboard for recycling.

He wants to crumple the napkin into a tiny ball.

We decided to crumple the receipt and toss it in the trash.

They agreed to crumple the paper before recycling it.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys crumpling aluminum foil for crafts.

They recommend crumpling the packaging material for recycling.

I dislike the idea of crumpling important documents.

He avoids crumpling delicate fabrics.

Can you imagine yourself crumpling a piece of paper in frustration?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to crumple plastic bottles for recycling. She likes crumpling plastic bottles for recycling.

We started to crumple the paper into small balls. We started crumpling the paper into small balls.

He began to crumple the tissue paper for packaging. He began crumpling the tissue paper for packaging.

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