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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 catchy tune.

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 soothing activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hum (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hum is a simple way to express joy.

    To hum is a simple way to express joy.

    • "*To hum*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a simple way to express joy).
  • 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 along.

    I need a melody to hum along.

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

Humming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Humming brings a sense of calmness.

    Humming brings a sense of calmness.

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

    I enjoy humming while I work.

    I enjoy humming while I work.

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

    She has a passion for humming tunes.

    She has a passion for humming tunes.

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

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 hum a song at the concert tomorrow.

They hope to hum their favorite tune during the performance.

He wants to hum in harmony with the choir.

We decided to hum together in the park this afternoon.

They agreed to hum along with the band.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys humming her favorite songs in the shower.

They recommend humming as a stress-relief technique.

I dislike the sound of someone humming off-key.

He avoids humming in public places.

Can you imagine yourself humming a beautiful melody?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hum along to the radio. She likes humming along to the radio.

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

He began to hum softly to himself. He began humming softly to himself.

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