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To Dost vs Dosting 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 dost (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dost with my friends at the party.

Dosting (Gerund)

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

Example

Dosting is a fun way to spend time with friends.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dost (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dost is a great way to strengthen friendships.

    To dost is a great way to strengthen friendships.

    • "*To dost*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to strengthen friendships).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dost with her in the play.

    She wants me to dost with her in the play.

    • "Me *to dost* with her in the play" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dost* with her in the play).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a partner to dost with in the dance competition.

    I need a partner to dost with in the dance competition.

    • "*To dost* with in the dance competition" modifies the noun "partner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to dost* with in the dance competition).

Dosting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dosting brings people closer.

    Dosting brings people closer.

    • "*Dosting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (people closer).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dosting with my friends.

    I enjoy dosting with my friends.

    • "*Dosting* with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dosting* with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for dosting.

    She has a passion for dosting.

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

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 plan to dost at the park tomorrow.

I hope to dost with you on our trip.

He wants to dost with his team for the project.

We decided to dost at the restaurant tonight.

They agreed to dost at the party together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys dosting at the beach every summer.

They recommend regular dosting for stronger bonds.

I dislike the idea of dosting in crowded places.

She avoids dosting with negative people.

Can you imagine yourself dosting with celebrities?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dost with her siblings. She likes dosting with her siblings.

We started to dost regularly. We started dosting regularly.

He began to dost every weekend. He began dosting every weekend.

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