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To Dwell vs Dwelling 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 dwell (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dwell in a peaceful countryside.

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 in nature brings me inner peace.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dwell (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dwell in a remote area can be challenging.

    To dwell in a remote area can be challenging.

    • "*To dwell*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dwell in her old house.

    She wants me to dwell in her old house.

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

    I need a cozy cabin to dwell during my vacation.

    I need a cozy cabin to dwell during my vacation.

    • "*To dwell* during my vacation" modifies the noun "cabin."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cozy cabin *to dwell* during my vacation).

Dwelling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dwelling in a remote area can be challenging.

    Dwelling in a remote area can be challenging.

    • "*Dwelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dwelling in old houses.

    I enjoy dwelling in old houses.

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

    She has a passion for dwelling in unique places.

    She has a passion for dwelling in unique places.

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

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 dwell in a small village after retirement.

I hope to dwell in a historic city someday.

He wants to dwell in a high-rise apartment.

We decided to dwell in a suburban neighborhood.

They agreed to dwell in a peaceful community together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys dwelling in peaceful environments.

They recommend dwelling in eco-friendly homes for sustainability.

I dislike the idea of dwelling in crowded cities.

She avoids dwelling in noisy neighborhoods.

Can you imagine yourself dwelling in a remote cabin?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dwell in the countryside. She likes dwelling in the countryside.

We started to dwell in a peaceful neighborhood. We started dwelling in a peaceful neighborhood.

He began to dwell in a small town. He began dwelling in a small town.

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