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To Lick vs Licking 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 lick (Infinitive)

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

Example

The dog wants to lick my face.

Licking (Gerund)

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

Example

Licking an ice cream cone can be messy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lick (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lick is a natural behavior for dogs.

    To lick is a natural behavior for dogs.

    • "*To lick*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural behavior for dogs).
  • 2Object

    She asked him to lick the stamp.

    She asked him to lick the stamp.

    • "Him *to lick* the stamp" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to lick* the stamp).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a spoon to lick the batter.

    I need a spoon to lick the batter.

    • "*To lick* the batter" modifies the noun "spoon."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spoon *to lick* the batter).

Licking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Licking is a common behavior among animals.

    Licking is a common behavior among animals.

    • "*Licking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common behavior among animals).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy licking lollipops.

    I enjoy licking lollipops.

    • "*Licking* lollipops" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*licking* lollipops).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a habit of licking his lips.

    He has a habit of licking his lips.

    • "Of *licking* his lips" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *licking* his lips).

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

The cat wants to lick the milk from the bowl.

He chose to lick the ice cream cone instead of using a spoon.

They refused to lick the dirty plate clean.

She attempted to lick the envelope closed.

The baby demanded to lick the lollipop.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids licking her fingers after eating.

Doctors recommend licking a sore to clean it.

He resisted licking the chocolate bar.

Can you imagine yourself licking a popsicle on a hot day?

They considered licking the stamps instead of using a sponge.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to lick ice cream cones. I like licking ice cream cones.

She began to lick her wounds. She began licking her wounds.

We will continue to lick stamps until they are all used. We will continue licking stamps until they are all used.

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