Help center

To Lamb vs Lambing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 lamb (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lamb my ewes in the spring.

Lambing (Gerund)

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

Example

Lambing can be a challenging but rewarding experience for sheep farmers.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lamb (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lamb is a critical task for sheep farmers.

    To lamb is a critical task for sheep farmers.

    • "*To lamb*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a critical task for sheep farmers).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lamb her flock.

    She wants me to lamb her flock.

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

    I need a warm barn to lamb my ewes.

    I need a warm barn to lamb my ewes.

    • "*To lamb* my ewes" modifies the noun "barn."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a warm barn *to lamb* my ewes).

Lambing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Lambing requires careful monitoring of pregnant ewes.

    Lambing requires careful monitoring of pregnant ewes.

    • "*Lambing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful monitoring of pregnant ewes).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy lambing my flock every spring.

    I enjoy lambing my flock every spring.

    • "*Lambing* my flock" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*lambing* my flock).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for lambing.

    She has a passion for lambing.

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

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 lamb her ewes next month.

They hope to lamb healthy lambs this season.

He wants to lamb his ewes in a safe environment.

We decided to lamb our flock early this year.

They agreed to lamb together to share resources.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys lambing in the early hours of the morning.

They recommend proper preparation for successful lambing.

I dislike the stress that comes with lambing season.

He avoids unnecessary disturbances during lambing.

Can you imagine yourself lambing hundreds of ewes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to lamb her own sheep. She likes lambing during the spring season.

We started to lamb our flock last week. We started lambing our flock last week.

He began to lamb his ewes early this year. He began lambing his ewes early this year.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!