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To Muse vs Musing 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 muse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to muse about life and its mysteries.

Musing (Gerund)

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

Example

Musing can lead to profound insights and self-discovery.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To muse (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To muse is a great way to spark creativity.

    To muse is a great way to spark creativity.

    • "*To muse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to spark creativity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to muse on the meaning of existence.

    She wants me to muse on the meaning of existence.

    • "Me *to muse* on the meaning of existence" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to muse* on the meaning of existence).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a quiet place to muse and reflect.

    I need a quiet place to muse and reflect.

    • "*To muse* and reflect" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to muse* and reflect).

Musing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Musing is a valuable tool for introspection.

    Musing is a valuable tool for introspection.

    • "*Musing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable tool for introspection).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy musing on the complexities of human nature.

    I enjoy musing on the complexities of human nature.

    • "*Musing* on the complexities of human nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*musing* on the complexities of human nature).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for musing about the meaning of life.

    She has a passion for musing about the meaning of life.

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

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 muse on the meaning of life during her vacation.

They hope to muse about the universe and its wonders.

He wants to muse on the nature of reality.

We decided to muse in the park this weekend.

They agreed to muse together under the starry sky.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys musing in solitude every evening.

They recommend regular musing for enhanced creativity.

I dislike the idea of musing on philosophical questions.

He avoids musing on negative thoughts.

Can you imagine yourself musing in a peaceful garden?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to muse in nature. She likes musing on life's mysteries.

We started to muse about the meaning of existence. We started musing about the meaning of existence.

He began to muse on the nature of reality. He began musing on the nature of reality.

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