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To Meditate vs Meditating 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 meditate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to meditate to reduce stress and improve focus.

Meditating (Gerund)

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

Example

Meditating helps in reducing anxiety and promoting mindfulness.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To meditate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To meditate is a great way to find inner peace.

    To meditate is a great way to find inner peace.

    • "*To meditate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to find inner peace).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to meditate with her in the morning.

    She wants me to meditate with her in the morning.

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

    I need a quiet space to meditate.

    I need a quiet space to meditate.

    • "*To meditate*" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet space *to meditate*).

Meditating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Meditating is a popular stress-relief technique.

    Meditating is a popular stress-relief technique.

    • "*Meditating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular stress-relief technique).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy meditating in a quiet room.

    I enjoy meditating in a quiet room.

    • "*Meditating* in a quiet room" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*meditating* in a quiet room).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for meditating.

    She has a passion for meditating.

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

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 meditate for 30 minutes every day.

They hope to meditate in nature during their vacation.

He wants to meditate to improve his mental clarity.

We decided to meditate before starting our work.

They agreed to meditate together for relaxation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys meditating early in the morning.

They recommend regular meditating for mental well-being.

I dislike the idea of meditating in a noisy environment.

He avoids meditating right after a heavy meal.

Can you imagine yourself meditating on a mountaintop?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to meditate in a peaceful garden. She likes meditating in a peaceful garden.

We started to meditate for better mental clarity. We started meditating for better mental clarity.

He began to meditate every evening. He began meditating every evening.

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