To Dwell vs Dwelling Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To dwell (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to dwell on negative thoughts and focus on the positive.

Dwelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Dwelling on past mistakes will only hold you back.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dwell (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To dwell in the countryside is a dream for many people.

  To dwell in the countryside is a dream for many people.

  • "*To dwell*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a dream for many people).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to dwell in the new house.

  She wants me to dwell in the new house.

  • "Me *to dwell* in the new house" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dwell* in the new house).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a peaceful environment to dwell in.

  I need a peaceful environment to dwell in.

  • "*To dwell* in" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a peaceful environment *to dwell* in).

Dwelling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Dwelling in a remote location has its advantages and disadvantages.

  Dwelling in a remote location has its advantages and disadvantages.

  • "*Dwelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (has) + noun phrase (its advantages and disadvantages).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy dwelling in nature.

  I enjoy dwelling in nature.

  • "*Dwelling* in nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dwelling* in nature).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fascination with dwelling in historic buildings.

  She has a fascination with dwelling in historic buildings.

  • "With *dwelling* in historic buildings" is the object of the preposition "with."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fascination with *dwelling* in historic buildings).

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

• hope
• choose
• plan
• decide
• manage

Example

They hope to dwell in a cozy cottage in the mountains.

We chose to dwell in the suburbs for a quieter lifestyle.

He plans to dwell in a log cabin by the lake.

She decided to dwell in a small village to escape the city.

They managed to dwell in a tiny apartment until they found a bigger place.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids dwelling on negative experiences.

They recommend dwelling in a peaceful environment for mental well-being.

I am considering dwelling in a coastal town for retirement.

Do you mind dwelling with roommates?

Can you imagine yourself dwelling in a treehouse?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to dwell in a quiet neighborhood. She likes dwelling in a quiet neighborhood.

We started to dwell in a new city. We started dwelling in a new city.

He began to dwell alone in his own apartment. He began dwelling alone in his own apartment.