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To Gallivant vs Gallivanting 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 gallivant (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to gallivant around Europe next summer.

Gallivanting (Gerund)

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

Example

Gallivanting is a fun way to experience different cultures.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To gallivant (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To gallivant is his favorite way to explore new places.

    To gallivant is his favorite way to explore new places.

    • "*To gallivant*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his favorite way to explore new places).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to gallivant with her in the city.

    She wants me to gallivant with her in the city.

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

    I need a map to gallivant around town.

    I need a map to gallivant around town.

    • "*To gallivant* around town" modifies the noun "map."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to gallivant* around town).

Gallivanting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Gallivanting around the city is his favorite pastime.

    Gallivanting around the city is his favorite pastime.

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

    I enjoy gallivanting with my friends on the weekends.

    I enjoy gallivanting with my friends on the weekends.

    • "*Gallivanting* with my friends on the weekends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*gallivanting* with my friends on the weekends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for gallivanting in foreign countries.

    She has a passion for gallivanting in foreign countries.

    • "For *gallivanting* in foreign countries" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *gallivanting* in foreign countries).

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

He plans to gallivant across Asia next year.

They hope to gallivant through South America during their trip.

She wants to gallivant in the countryside.

We decided to gallivant in the mountains this weekend.

They agreed to gallivant in Europe together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys gallivanting in new cities.

They recommend gallivanting as a way to discover hidden gems.

I dislike the idea of gallivanting alone.

She avoids gallivanting in dangerous areas.

Can you imagine yourself gallivanting across the globe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to gallivant in bustling cities. She likes gallivanting in bustling cities.

We started to gallivant around the country. We started gallivanting around the country.

He began to gallivant after retirement. He began gallivanting after retirement.

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