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To Hamble vs Hambling 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 hamble (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hamble in the park to improve my balance.

Hambling (Gerund)

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

Example

Hambling is a fun way to explore nature.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hamble (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hamble is a unique way to move around.

    To hamble is a unique way to move around.

    • "*To hamble*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique way to move around).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hamble in the race.

    She wants me to hamble in the race.

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

    I need a spacious area to hamble freely.

    I need a spacious area to hamble freely.

    • "*To hamble* freely" modifies the noun "area."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spacious area *to hamble* freely).

Hambling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hambling is a popular activity among children.

    Hambling is a popular activity among children.

    • "*Hambling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity among children).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hambling in the park.

    I enjoy hambling in the park.

    • "*Hambling* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hambling* in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for hambling.

    She has a passion for hambling.

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

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 hamble in the park tomorrow.

They hope to hamble with their friends during the picnic.

He wants to hamble on the beach.

We decided to hamble in the forest this weekend.

They agreed to hamble together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys hambling in the countryside every weekend.

They recommend regular hambling for better health.

I dislike the idea of hambling in rough terrains.

He avoids hambling alone in the dark.

Can you imagine yourself hambling through the mountains?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hamble in the park. She likes hambling in the park.

We started to hamble as a family activity. We started hambling as a family activity.

He began to hamble in the forest every morning. He began hambling in the forest every morning.

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