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To Exclaim vs Exclaiming 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 exclaim (Infinitive)

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

Example

I couldn't help exclaiming when I saw the surprise.

Exclaiming (Gerund)

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

Example

Exclaiming with joy, she hugged her friend tightly.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exclaim (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To exclaim loudly is considered impolite.

    To exclaim loudly is considered impolite.

    • "*To exclaim* loudly" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (considered impolite).
  • 2Object

    He wanted me to exclaim in delight.

    He wanted me to exclaim in delight.

    • "Me *to exclaim* in delight" is the object of the verb "wanted."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wanted) + noun phrase (me *to exclaim* in delight).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reason to exclaim happily.

    I need a reason to exclaim happily.

    • "*To exclaim* happily" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to exclaim* happily).

Exclaiming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Exclaiming is a natural reaction to excitement.

    Exclaiming is a natural reaction to excitement.

    • "*Exclaiming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural reaction to excitement).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy exclaiming in surprise.

    I enjoy exclaiming in surprise.

    • "*Exclaiming* in surprise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exclaiming* in surprise).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of exclaiming loudly.

    She has a habit of exclaiming loudly.

    • "Of *exclaiming* loudly" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *exclaiming* loudly).

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

I hope to exclaim with joy when I receive the gift.

They want to exclaim in surprise when they see the fireworks.

She chose to exclaim out of excitement when she won the game.

We decided to exclaim in awe at the sight of the beautiful scenery.

He pretended to exclaim in disbelief to fool his friends.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids exclaiming in public places.

They consider exclaiming a form of expressing emotions.

I recommend exclaiming with enthusiasm during presentations.

Can you imagine yourself exclaiming with delight when you win the lottery?

Do you mind exclaiming in surprise if I give you a gift?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to exclaim when she sees something cute. She likes exclaiming when she sees something cute.

We started to exclaim when the fireworks began. We started exclaiming when the fireworks began.

He began to exclaim with joy upon receiving the good news. He began exclaiming with joy upon receiving the good news.

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