Help center

To Hurl vs Hurling Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 hurl (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hurl the ball as far as I can.

Hurling (Gerund)

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

Example

Hurling requires great strength and precision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hurl (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hurl is a challenging skill to master in baseball.

    To hurl is a challenging skill to master in baseball.

    • "*To hurl*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging skill to master in baseball).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hurl the javelin.

    She wants me to hurl the javelin.

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

    I need a strong arm to hurl the shot put.

    I need a strong arm to hurl the shot put.

    • "*To hurl* the shot put" modifies the noun "arm."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong arm *to hurl* the shot put).

Hurling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hurling is a popular sport in Ireland.

    Hurling is a popular sport in Ireland.

    • "*Hurling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular sport in Ireland).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hurling the discus in track and field events.

    I enjoy hurling the discus in track and field events.

    • "*Hurling* the discus in track and field events" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hurling* the discus in track and field events).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for hurling.

    He has a talent for hurling.

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

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

We decided to hurl the discus in the competition.

He plans to hurl the hammer at the next track meet.

They refused to hurl the ball during practice.

She wants to hurl the javelin farther than anyone else.

I wish to hurl the discus with perfect technique.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys hurling the shot put in competitions.

They recommend regular hurling practice for better technique.

I avoid hurling heavy objects due to my back injury.

Can you imagine yourself hurling a javelin in the Olympics?

He doesn't mind hurling the discus in unfavorable weather conditions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to hurl the ball with all my strength. I like hurling the ball with all my strength.

We started to hurl competitively last year. We started hurling competitively last year.

He began to hurl the javelin in high school. He began hurling the javelin in high school.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!