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To Entertain vs Entertaining 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 entertain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to entertain guests at my party.

Entertaining (Gerund)

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

Example

Entertaining is a great way to bring people together.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To entertain (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To entertain is her passion.

    To entertain is her passion.

    • "*To entertain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her passion).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to entertain the audience.

    She wants me to entertain the audience.

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

    I need a stage to entertain the crowd.

    I need a stage to entertain the crowd.

    • "*To entertain* the crowd" modifies the noun "stage."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stage *to entertain* the crowd).

Entertaining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Entertaining is his favorite hobby.

    Entertaining is his favorite hobby.

    • "*Entertaining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his favorite hobby).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy entertaining my friends at home.

    I enjoy entertaining my friends at home.

    • "*Entertaining* my friends at home" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*entertaining* my friends at home).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for entertaining guests.

    She has a talent for entertaining guests.

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

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 entertain her guests with live music.

They hope to entertain their friends with a magic show.

He wants to entertain the audience with his stand-up comedy.

We decided to entertain our guests with a dance performance.

They agreed to entertain the crowd with a fireworks display.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys entertaining her family with board games.

They recommend entertaining activities for children's parties.

I dislike the idea of entertaining large crowds.

He avoids entertaining people who don't appreciate his talents.

Can you imagine yourself entertaining a packed theater?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to entertain her guests with karaoke. She likes entertaining her guests with karaoke.

We started to entertain at local events. We started entertaining at local events.

He began to entertain professionally. He began entertaining professionally.

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