To Jaywalk vs Jaywalking Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To jaywalk (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't recommend jaywalking on busy streets.

Jaywalking (Gerund)

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

Example

Jaywalking can be dangerous and is against the law.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To jaywalk (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To jaywalk is illegal in many cities.

  To jaywalk is illegal in many cities.

  • "*To jaywalk*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (illegal) + prepositional phrase (in many cities).
• 2. Object

  He wants his friend to jaywalk with him.

  He wants his friend to jaywalk with him.

  • "His friend *to jaywalk* with him" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (his friend *to jaywalk* with him).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  She needs a safe place to jaywalk across the street.

  She needs a safe place to jaywalk across the street.

  • "*To jaywalk* across the street" modifies the noun "place."
  • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a safe place *to jaywalk* across the street).

Jaywalking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Jaywalking is a common problem in busy cities.

  Jaywalking is a common problem in busy cities.

  • "*Jaywalking*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common problem in busy cities).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy jaywalking in pedestrian-friendly areas.

  I enjoy jaywalking in pedestrian-friendly areas.

  • "*Jaywalking* in pedestrian-friendly areas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*jaywalking* in pedestrian-friendly areas).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They were caught for jaywalking on the main street.

  They were caught for jaywalking on the main street.

  • "For *jaywalking* on the main street" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (were caught) + prepositional phrase (for *jaywalking* on the main street).

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

• avoid
• recommend
• decide
• pretend
• wish

Example

They avoid jaywalking in high-traffic areas.

We recommend not to jaywalk near intersections.

He decided to jaywalk instead of using the crosswalk.

She pretended to jaywalk just for fun.

I wish not to jaywalk in this neighborhood.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids jaywalking by always using the crosswalks.

We are considering jaywalking to save time.

The city council recommends against jaywalking for safety reasons.

Do you mind me jaywalking here?

Can you imagine yourself jaywalking in heavy traffic?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to jaywalk when there are no cars around. She likes jaywalking in busy cities.

They started to jaywalk as a shortcut to work. They started jaywalking after the new crosswalk was built.

He began to jaywalk after the pedestrian signal turned red. He began jaywalking to catch the bus on time.