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To Hum vs Humming 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 hum (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hum a tune while I work.

Humming (Gerund)

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

Example

Humming can be a form of self-soothing.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hum (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hum is a soothing activity.

    To hum is a soothing activity.

    • "*To hum*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a soothing activity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hum a lullaby.

    She wants me to hum a lullaby.

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

    I need a melody to hum throughout the day.

    I need a melody to hum throughout the day.

    • "*To hum* throughout the day" modifies the noun "melody."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a melody *to hum* throughout the day).

Humming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Humming is a common habit.

    Humming is a common habit.

    • "*Humming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common habit).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy humming while I do chores.

    I enjoy humming while I do chores.

    • "*Humming* while I do chores" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*humming* while I do chores).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for humming.

    She has a talent for humming.

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

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

They enjoy to hum their favorite songs together.

We plan to hum a catchy tune at the party.

He hopes to hum in harmony with the choir.

She wants to hum along with the radio.

I decided to hum a happy melody.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys humming along to his favorite songs.

They recommend humming as a stress-relief technique.

I dislike the sound of humming in public places.

She avoids humming during important meetings.

Can you imagine yourself humming a beautiful melody?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hum while she works. She likes humming while she works.

We started to hum together in harmony. We started humming together in harmony.

He began to hum a catchy tune. He began humming a catchy tune.

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