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To Kiss vs Kissing 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 kiss (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to kiss you under the stars.

Kissing (Gerund)

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

Example

Kissing is a way to express affection.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To kiss (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To kiss is a romantic gesture.

    To kiss is a romantic gesture.

    • "*To kiss*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a romantic gesture).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to kiss her goodnight.

    She wants me to kiss her goodnight.

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

    He needs soft lips to kiss passionately.

    He needs soft lips to kiss passionately.

    • "*To kiss* passionately" modifies the noun "soft lips."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (soft lips *to kiss* passionately).

Kissing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Kissing can be enjoyable.

    Kissing can be enjoyable.

    • "*Kissing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (enjoyable).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy kissing my partner.

    I enjoy kissing my partner.

    • "*Kissing* my partner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*kissing* my partner).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of kissing in public.

    She has a fear of kissing in public.

    • "Of *kissing* in public" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *kissing* in public).

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 kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve.

She hopes to kiss her crush at the party.

He wants to kiss her on their anniversary.

We decided to kiss at sunset on the beach.

They agreed to kiss under the mistletoe.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy kissing in the rain.

I recommend kissing as a form of stress relief.

She dislikes kissing strangers.

He avoids kissing in front of others.

Can you imagine yourself kissing your celebrity crush?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to kiss in public. She likes kissing in public.

We started to kiss each other passionately. We started kissing each other passionately.

He began to kiss her cheek. He began kissing her cheek.

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