To Limp vs Limping 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 limp (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to limp in the race to show my determination.

Limping (Gerund)

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

Example

Limping can be a result of various injuries.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To limp (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To limp is a visible sign of injury.

  To limp is a visible sign of injury.

  • "*To limp*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a visible sign of injury).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to limp during the performance.

  She wants me to limp during the performance.

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

  I need a crutch to limp around.

  I need a crutch to limp around.

  • "*To limp* around" modifies the noun "crutch."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a crutch *to limp* around).

Limping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Limping affects your mobility and balance.

  Limping affects your mobility and balance.

  • "*Limping*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (affects) + noun phrase (your mobility and balance).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy limping around the house when I'm alone.

  I enjoy limping around the house when I'm alone.

  • "*Limping* around the house" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*limping* around the house).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has difficulty with limping long distances.

  He has difficulty with limping long distances.

  • "With *limping* long distances" is the object of the preposition "with."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (difficulty with *limping* long distances).

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

• decide
• pretend
• refuse
• wish
• attempt

Example

We decided to limp during the protest.

He pretends to limp to get sympathy.

They refused to limp despite the pain.

She wishes to limp less so she can walk properly.

I attempted to limp quietly so no one would notice.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• practice

Example

She avoids limping by using a cane for support.

They are considering limping as a form of protest.

Doctors recommend rest and elevation for limping.

I don't mind limping if it means I can participate.

He practices walking without limping to improve his gait.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to limp to show my perseverance. I like limping to express my determination.

We started to limp after the accident. We started limping after the accident.

He began to limp due to a muscle strain. He began limping due to a muscle strain.