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To Indulge vs Indulging 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 indulge (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to indulge in a decadent dessert.

Indulging (Gerund)

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

Example

Indulging in your favorite hobbies can bring joy and relaxation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To indulge (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To indulge is a guilty pleasure for many people.

    To indulge is a guilty pleasure for many people.

    • "*To indulge*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a guilty pleasure for many people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to indulge in her new hobby.

    She wants me to indulge in her new hobby.

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

    I need a day off to indulge myself.

    I need a day off to indulge myself.

    • "*To indulge* myself" modifies the noun "day off."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a day off *to indulge* myself).

Indulging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Indulging in delicious food is a delightful experience.

    Indulging in delicious food is a delightful experience.

    • "*Indulging* in delicious food" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a delightful experience).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy indulging in spa treatments.

    I enjoy indulging in spa treatments.

    • "*Indulging* in spa treatments" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*indulging* in spa treatments).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for indulging in adventure sports.

    She has a passion for indulging in adventure sports.

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

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

I really like to indulge in a bubble bath after a long day.

They love to indulge in shopping sprees every once in a while.

He started to indulge in meditation to reduce stress.

We prefer to indulge in outdoor activities on weekends.

She began to indulge in painting as a form of self-expression.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys indulging in long walks on the beach.

They recommend indulging in self-care activities for mental well-being.

I dislike the idea of indulging in unhealthy habits.

He avoids indulging in negative thoughts.

Can you imagine yourself indulging in a luxurious vacation?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to indulge in spa treatments. She likes indulging in spa treatments.

We started to indulge in yoga for better flexibility. We started indulging in yoga for better flexibility.

He began to indulge in reading books every night. He began indulging in reading books every night.

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