To Kneel vs Kneeling 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 kneel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to kneel in front of the altar to pray.

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 can be a form of meditation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To kneel (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To kneel is a sign of respect in many cultures.

  To kneel is a sign of respect in many cultures.

  • "*To kneel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of respect in many cultures).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to kneel beside her during the ceremony.

  She wants me to kneel beside her during the ceremony.

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

  He needs a cushion to kneel on.

  He needs a cushion to kneel on.

  • "*To kneel* on" modifies the noun "cushion."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a cushion *to kneel* on).

Kneeling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Kneeling is commonly seen in religious ceremonies.

  Kneeling is commonly seen in religious ceremonies.

  • "*Kneeling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (commonly seen in religious ceremonies).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy kneeling in prayer at the church.

  I enjoy kneeling in prayer at the church.

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

  He has a preference for kneeling on soft surfaces.

  He has a preference for kneeling on soft surfaces.

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

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

• agree
• promise
• hope
• decide
• attempt

Example

They agreed to kneel during the wedding ceremony.

She promised to kneel and pray for his recovery.

We hope to kneel and ask for forgiveness.

He decided to kneel and propose to her.

They attempted to kneel and tie their shoelaces.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• resist
• imagine

Example

She avoids kneeling for long periods of time.

They recommend kneeling as a form of physical therapy.

I am considering kneeling as a way to improve my posture.

He resisted kneeling despite the discomfort.

Can you imagine yourself kneeling in front of a crowd?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I like to kneel in solitude. I like kneeling in solitude.

She began to kneel as part of her daily routine. She began kneeling as part of her daily routine.

They continue to kneel despite the challenges. They continue kneeling despite the challenges.