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To Hitchhike vs Hitchhiking 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 hitchhike (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hitchhike across the country.

Hitchhiking (Gerund)

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

Example

Hitchhiking can be a thrilling experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hitchhike (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hitchhike is an adventurous way to travel.

    To hitchhike is an adventurous way to travel.

    • "*To hitchhike*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an adventurous way to travel).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hitchhike with her.

    She wants me to hitchhike with her.

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

    I need a ride to hitchhike to the next town.

    I need a ride to hitchhike to the next town.

    • "*To hitchhike* to the next town" modifies the noun "ride."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a ride *to hitchhike* to the next town).

Hitchhiking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hitchhiking requires careful planning and safety precautions.

    Hitchhiking requires careful planning and safety precautions.

    • "*Hitchhiking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and safety precautions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hitchhiking in new places.

    I enjoy hitchhiking in new places.

    • "*Hitchhiking* in new places" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hitchhiking* in new places).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for hitchhiking.

    She has a passion for hitchhiking.

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

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 hitchhike across Europe next summer.

They hope to hitchhike to their destination.

He wants to hitchhike to save money on transportation.

We decided to hitchhike instead of taking the bus.

They agreed to hitchhike together on their road trip.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys hitchhiking along scenic routes.

They recommend hitchhiking as a way to meet new people.

I dislike the idea of hitchhiking alone.

He avoids hitchhiking at night.

Can you imagine yourself hitchhiking through different countries?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hitchhike to explore new places. She likes hitchhiking to explore new places.

We started to hitchhike after missing our bus. We started hitchhiking after missing our bus.

He began to hitchhike as a way to travel cheaply. He began hitchhiking as a way to travel cheaply.

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