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To Kneel vs Kneeling 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 kneel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to kneel and propose to her.

Kneeling (Gerund)

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

Example

Kneeling is a sign of submission and reverence.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To kneel (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To kneel requires flexibility and balance.

    To kneel requires flexibility and balance.

    • "*To kneel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (flexibility and balance).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to kneel and propose to her.

    She wants me to kneel and propose to her.

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

    I need a cushion to kneel comfortably.

    I need a cushion to kneel comfortably.

    • "*To kneel* comfortably" modifies the noun "cushion."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cushion *to kneel* comfortably).

Kneeling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Kneeling shows respect in many cultures.

    Kneeling shows respect in many cultures.

    • "*Kneeling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (shows) + noun phrase (respect in many cultures).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy kneeling in prayer.

    I enjoy kneeling in prayer.

    • "*Kneeling* in prayer" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*kneeling* in prayer).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for kneeling.

    She has a preference for kneeling.

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

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 kneel and pray at the altar.

I hope to kneel before the queen someday.

He wants to kneel and ask for forgiveness.

We decided to kneel and propose in front of our families.

They agreed to kneel and show respect during the ceremony.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys kneeling in meditation.

They recommend regular kneeling for spiritual growth.

I dislike the idea of kneeling for long periods of time.

She avoids kneeling on hard surfaces.

Can you imagine yourself kneeling before a king?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to kneel in prayer. He likes kneeling in prayer.

We started to kneel as a form of exercise. We started kneeling as a form of exercise.

She began to kneel in yoga class. She began kneeling in yoga class.

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