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To Dream vs Dreaming 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 dream (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dream big and achieve my goals.

Dreaming (Gerund)

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

Example

Dreaming allows us to explore our subconscious mind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dream (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dream is a natural human experience.

    To dream is a natural human experience.

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

    She wants me to dream about our future together.

    She wants me to dream about our future together.

    • "Me *to dream* about our future together" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dream* about our future together).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet environment to dream peacefully.

    I need a quiet environment to dream peacefully.

    • "*To dream* peacefully" modifies the noun "environment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to dream* peacefully).

Dreaming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dreaming can be influenced by various factors.

    Dreaming can be influenced by various factors.

    • "*Dreaming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (influenced by various factors).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dreaming about my future career.

    I enjoy dreaming about my future career.

    • "*Dreaming* about my future career" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dreaming* about my future career).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for lucid dreaming.

    She has a talent for lucid dreaming.

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

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 dream about their ideal vacation.

He wants to dream of becoming a famous musician.

We plan to dream big and make a difference.

She decided to dream of traveling the world.

They refused to dream small and settled for mediocrity.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys dreaming about exotic destinations.

They recommend dreaming as a way to stimulate creativity.

I avoid dreaming about my fears and worries.

Can you imagine yourself dreaming of flying?

We are considering dreaming up new ideas for the project.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dream about her future. She likes dreaming about her future.

We started to dream about building our own business. We started dreaming about building our own business.

He began to dream of becoming an astronaut. He began dreaming of becoming an astronaut.

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