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To Jape vs Japing 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 jape (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to jape with my friends to lighten the mood.

Japing (Gerund)

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

Example

Japing can be a lighthearted way to have fun with others.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To jape (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To jape is a form of playful teasing.

    To jape is a form of playful teasing.

    • "*To jape*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of playful teasing).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to jape with her during the party.

    She wants me to jape with her during the party.

    • "Me *to jape* with her during the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to jape* with her during the party).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a funny joke to jape about the situation.

    I need a funny joke to jape about the situation.

    • "A funny joke *to jape* about the situation" modifies the noun "joke."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a funny joke *to jape* about the situation).

Japing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Japing is a common form of humor among friends.

    Japing is a common form of humor among friends.

    • "*Japing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common form of humor among friends).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy japing with my siblings during family gatherings.

    I enjoy japing with my siblings during family gatherings.

    • "*Japing* with my siblings during family gatherings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*japing* with my siblings during family gatherings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for japing without offending anyone.

    He has a talent for japing without offending anyone.

    • "For *japing* without offending anyone" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *japing* without offending anyone).

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

He plans to jape with his colleagues at the office party.

They hope to jape around with their friends on the weekend.

She wants to jape during the family gathering.

We decided to jape at the prank competition.

They agreed to jape each other for April Fool's Day.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys japing with her friends at parties.

They recommend japing as a way to break the ice in social situations.

I dislike the idea of japing at someone's expense.

He avoids japing when it may hurt someone's feelings.

Can you imagine yourself japing your colleagues at work?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to jape with her classmates. She likes japing with her classmates.

We started to jape around to lighten the atmosphere. We started japing around to lighten the atmosphere.

He began to jape with his friends as a way to bond. He began japing with his friends as a way to bond.

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