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To Hypnotize vs Hypnotizing 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 hypnotize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hypnotize the audience with my magic show.

Hypnotizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Hypnotizing people can be a powerful tool in therapy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hypnotize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hypnotize someone requires skill and training.

    To hypnotize someone requires skill and training.

    • "*To hypnotize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and training).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hypnotize her to quit smoking.

    She wants me to hypnotize her to quit smoking.

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

    He needs a quiet room to hypnotize his clients.

    He needs a quiet room to hypnotize his clients.

    • "*To hypnotize* his clients" modifies the noun "room."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a quiet room *to hypnotize* his clients).

Hypnotizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hypnotizing others requires focus and concentration.

    Hypnotizing others requires focus and concentration.

    • "*Hypnotizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (focus and concentration).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hypnotizing my friends for fun.

    I enjoy hypnotizing my friends for fun.

    • "*Hypnotizing* my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hypnotizing* my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for hypnotizing people.

    She has a talent for hypnotizing people.

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

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 plan to hypnotize the crowd at the event tomorrow.

I hope to hypnotize the judges with my performance.

We want to hypnotize the volunteers for our research study.

He decided to hypnotize himself for relaxation purposes.

They agreed to hypnotize each other to overcome their fears.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys hypnotizing strangers on stage.

Experts recommend hypnotizing oneself for self-improvement.

They dislike the idea of hypnotizing others without consent.

I avoid hypnotizing people who are not open to it.

Can you imagine yourself hypnotizing a large crowd?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hypnotize her friends for entertainment. She likes hypnotizing her friends for entertainment.

He started to hypnotize people as a hobby. He started hypnotizing people as a hobby.

They began to hypnotize themselves for personal development. They began hypnotizing themselves for personal development.

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