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To Doze vs Dozing 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 doze (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to doze off on the couch for a while.

Dozing (Gerund)

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

Example

Dozing off in front of the TV is so relaxing.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To doze (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To doze off during meetings is not professional.

    To doze off during meetings is not professional.

    • "*To doze* off" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (not professional).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to doze on the bed.

    She wants me to doze on the bed.

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

    I need a comfortable chair to doze in.

    I need a comfortable chair to doze in.

    • "*To doze* in" modifies the noun "chair."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to doze* in).

Dozing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dozing off is a common occurrence during long flights.

    Dozing off is a common occurrence during long flights.

    • "*Dozing* off" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common occurrence during long flights).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dozing on the couch.

    I enjoy dozing on the couch.

    • "*Dozing* on the couch" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dozing* on the couch).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of dozing in the afternoon.

    She has a habit of dozing in the afternoon.

    • "Of *dozing* in the afternoon" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *dozing* in the afternoon).

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 doze off in the hammock this afternoon.

They hope to doze peacefully on their vacation.

He wants to doze in a quiet room.

We decided to doze by the pool this weekend.

They agreed to doze together in the park.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys dozing in her hammock every day.

They recommend taking short breaks and dozing for better productivity.

I dislike the idea of dozing at work.

He avoids dozing in uncomfortable positions.

Can you imagine yourself dozing on a tropical beach?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to doze in a cozy blanket. She likes dozing in a cozy blanket.

We started to doze early in the evening. We started dozing early in the evening.

He began to doze on the train. He began dozing on the train.

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