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To Durst vs Dursting 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 durst (Infinitive)

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

Example

I didn't dare to durst speak up in the meeting.

Dursting (Gerund)

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

Example

Dursting is a bold move.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To durst (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To durst is a courageous act.

    To durst is a courageous act.

    • "*To durst*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a courageous act).
  • 2Object

    She wanted him to durst confront his fears.

    She wanted him to durst confront his fears.

    • "Him *to durst* confront his fears" is the object of the verb "wanted."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wanted) + noun phrase (him *to durst* confront his fears).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a brave person to durst face the challenge.

    I need a brave person to durst face the challenge.

    • "*To durst* face the challenge" modifies the noun "person."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a brave person *to durst* face the challenge).

Dursting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dursting requires courage.

    Dursting requires courage.

    • "*Dursting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (courage).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dursting challenges.

    I enjoy dursting challenges.

    • "*Dursting* challenges" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dursting* challenges).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for dursting obstacles.

    She has a passion for dursting obstacles.

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

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 planned to durst climb Mount Everest.

They hoped to durst skydive on their vacation.

He wants me to durst confront my fears.

We decided to durst take the risk.

They agreed to durst face the consequences.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys dursting in extreme sports.

They recommend regular dursting for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of dursting dangerous situations.

He avoids dursting unnecessary risks.

Can you imagine yourself dursting against all odds?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to durst in challenging situations. She likes dursting in challenging situations.

We started to durst take on new adventures. We started dursting new adventures.

He began to durst pursue his dreams. He began dursting to pursue his dreams.

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