To Meander vs Meandering 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 meander (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to meander along the riverbank and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Meandering (Gerund)

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

Example

Meandering is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To meander (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To meander is a great way to explore a new city.

  To meander is a great way to explore a new city.

  • "*To meander*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to explore a new city).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to meander through the forest with her.

  She wants me to meander through the forest with her.

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

  I need comfortable shoes to meander around the museum.

  I need comfortable shoes to meander around the museum.

  • "*To meander* around the museum" modifies the noun "shoes."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to meander* around the museum).

Meandering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Meandering allows you to discover hidden gems.

  Meandering allows you to discover hidden gems.

  • "*Meandering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (allows) + noun phrase (you to discover hidden gems).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy meandering through the park.

  I enjoy meandering through the park.

  • "*Meandering* through the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*meandering* through the park).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for meandering along scenic trails.

  She has a passion for meandering along scenic trails.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to meander through the park tomorrow.

They hope to meander along the beach during their vacation.

He wants to meander in the countryside.

We decided to meander through the streets of the old town.

They agreed to meander through the gardens together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys meandering through the streets of the city.

They recommend leisurely meandering for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of meandering in crowded areas.

He avoids meandering in noisy places.

Can you imagine yourself meandering through ancient ruins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to meander in the park. She likes meandering in the park.

We started to meander along the river. We started meandering along the river.

He began to meander through the forest. He began meandering through the forest.