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

He needs a cane to limp around.

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 caused by various conditions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To limp (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To limp is a sign of an injury.

  To limp is a sign of an injury.

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

  She wants him to limp with her in the parade.

  She wants him to limp with her in the parade.

  • "Him *to limp* with her in the parade" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to limp* with her in the parade).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a special shoe to limp comfortably.

  He needs a special shoe to limp comfortably.

  • "*To limp* comfortably" modifies the noun "shoe."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a special shoe *to limp* comfortably).

Limping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Limping affects one's gait.

  Limping affects one's gait.

  • "*Limping*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (affects) + noun phrase (one's gait).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy limping in a dramatic fashion.

  I enjoy limping in a dramatic fashion.

  • "*Limping* in a dramatic fashion" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*limping* in a dramatic fashion).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has difficulty with stairs due to his constant limping.

  He has difficulty with stairs due to his constant limping.

  • "His constant *limping*" is the object of the preposition "due to."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (difficulty with stairs) + preposition (due to) + noun phrase (his constant *limping*).

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

• hope
• want
• decide
• refuse
• attempt

Example

They hope to limp less after physical therapy.

She wants to limp independently without assistance.

He decided to limp through the marathon despite the pain.

They refused to limp and continued to walk normally.

She attempted to limp faster than before.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

They avoid limping by using crutches.

I am considering limping as part of my character for the play.

Doctors recommend rest for those who are limping.

She doesn't mind limping temporarily if it helps her recover.

Can you imagine yourself limping with a sprained ankle?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to limp slowly to gain sympathy. He likes limping slowly to gain sympathy.

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

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