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To Fling vs Flinging 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 fling (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fling the ball as far as I can.

Flinging (Gerund)

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

Example

Flinging objects can be dangerous.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fling (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fling objects is not safe.

    To fling objects is not safe.

    • "*To fling* objects" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (not safe).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fling the ball to her.

    She wants me to fling the ball to her.

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

    I need a strong arm to fling the ball.

    I need a strong arm to fling the ball.

    • "*To fling* the ball" modifies the noun "arm."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong arm *to fling* the ball).

Flinging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Flinging mud is messy.

    Flinging mud is messy.

    • "*Flinging* mud" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (messy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy flinging paint onto the canvas.

    I enjoy flinging paint onto the canvas.

    • "*Flinging* paint onto the canvas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*flinging* paint onto the canvas).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for flinging arrows.

    She has a passion for flinging arrows.

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

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 fling the Frisbee in the park tomorrow.

They hope to fling confetti at the celebration.

He wants to fling himself off the cliff into the water.

We decided to fling paint at the canvas for our art project.

They agreed to fling their hats in the air in celebration.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys flinging water balloons at her friends.

They recommend flinging your worries away by practicing mindfulness.

I dislike the idea of flinging food during a food fight.

He avoids flinging insults at others.

Can you imagine yourself flinging paint on a canvas?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fling paper airplanes. She likes flinging paper airplanes.

We started to fling rocks into the lake. We started flinging rocks into the lake.

He began to fling insults at his opponent. He began flinging insults at his opponent.

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