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To Hang vs Hanging 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 hang (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hang a picture on the wall.

Hanging (Gerund)

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

Example

Hanging pictures can be a fun DIY project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hang (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hang a picture requires some tools.

    To hang a picture requires some tools.

    • "*To hang* a picture" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (some tools).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hang the curtains.

    She wants me to hang the curtains.

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

    I need a hook to hang my keys.

    I need a hook to hang my keys.

    • "*To hang* my keys" modifies the noun "hook."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a hook *to hang* my keys).

Hanging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hanging pictures requires some precision.

    Hanging pictures requires some precision.

    • "*Hanging* pictures" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (some precision).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hanging out with friends.

    I enjoy hanging out with friends.

    • "*Hanging* out with friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hanging* out with friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for hanging artwork.

    She has a talent for hanging artwork.

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

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 hang a painting in her living room.

They hope to hang some new shelves in their garage.

He wants to hang a mirror above the fireplace.

We decided to hang a chandelier in the dining room.

They agreed to hang a tapestry on the wall together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys hanging plants in her garden.

They recommend using proper tools for hanging curtains.

I dislike the process of hanging laundry to dry.

He avoids hanging out with negative people.

Can you imagine yourself hanging from a rock climbing wall?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hang artwork on her walls. She likes hanging artwork on her walls.

We started to hang Christmas lights. We started hanging Christmas lights.

He began to hang his clothes neatly in the closet. He began hanging his clothes neatly in the closet.

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