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To Jest vs Jesting 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 jest (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to jest with my friends to make them laugh.

Jesting (Gerund)

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

Example

Jesting is a way to lighten the mood.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To jest (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To jest is a form of entertainment.

    To jest is a form of entertainment.

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

    She wants me to jest at her party.

    She wants me to jest at her party.

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

    I need a funny story to jest about.

    I need a funny story to jest about.

    • "*To jest* about" modifies the noun "story."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a funny story *to jest* about).

Jesting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Jesting can be seen as a form of humor.

    Jesting can be seen as a form of humor.

    • "*Jesting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be seen) + noun phrase (a form of humor).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy jesting with my friends.

    I enjoy jesting with my friends.

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

    She has a talent for jesting.

    She has a talent for jesting.

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

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

She plans to jest during the talent show tomorrow.

They hope to jest at the comedy club next week.

He wants to jest at the family gathering.

We decided to jest at the party this weekend.

They agreed to jest together in the skit.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys jesting at parties.

They recommend regular jesting for better social skills.

I dislike the idea of jesting in serious situations.

He avoids jesting at inappropriate times.

Can you imagine yourself jesting in front of a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to jest with her siblings. She likes jesting with her siblings.

We started to jest as a way to relieve stress. We started jesting as a way to relieve stress.

He began to jest during his stand-up comedy career. He began jesting during his stand-up comedy career.

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