To Mimic vs Mimicking 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 mimic (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to mimic his dance moves.

Mimicking (Gerund)

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

Example

Mimicking accents can be a fun activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To mimic (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To mimic is a form of flattery.

  To mimic is a form of flattery.

  • "*To mimic*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of flattery).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to mimic her singing style.

  She wants me to mimic her singing style.

  • "Me *to mimic* her singing style" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to mimic* her singing style).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a costume to mimic his character.

  I need a costume to mimic his character.

  • "*To mimic* his character" modifies the noun "costume."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a costume *to mimic* his character).

Mimicking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Mimicking others is not always appreciated.

  Mimicking others is not always appreciated.

  • "*Mimicking* others" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always appreciated).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy mimicking famous celebrities.

  I enjoy mimicking famous celebrities.

  • "*Mimicking* famous celebrities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*mimicking* famous celebrities).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for mimicking animal sounds.

  He has a talent for mimicking animal sounds.

  • "For *mimicking* animal sounds" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *mimicking* animal sounds).

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

• choose
• pretend
• struggle
• manage
• wish

Example

They choose to mimic their favorite actors in the school play.

He pretends to mimic the sound of a car engine.

She struggles to mimic the accent of a native speaker.

We managed to mimic the behavior of a wild animal.

I wish to mimic his artistic talent.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• resist

Example

She enjoys mimicking cartoon characters in her free time.

They recommend mimicking native speakers to improve language skills.

I avoid mimicking others' bad habits.

He is considering mimicking his favorite actor's style in his next performance.

They couldn't resist mimicking the funny dance moves.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I like to mimic famous singers. I like mimicking famous singers.

She began to mimic her favorite characters. She began mimicking her favorite characters.

He continues to mimic his role model. He continues mimicking his role model.