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To Nod vs Nodding 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 nod (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to nod in agreement to show my support.

Nodding (Gerund)

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

Example

Nodding is a common way to show agreement.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To nod (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To nod is a simple gesture of acknowledgement.

    To nod is a simple gesture of acknowledgement.

    • "*To nod*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a simple gesture of acknowledgement).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to nod in approval.

    She wants me to nod in approval.

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

    I need a sign to nod my head.

    I need a sign to nod my head.

    • "*To nod* my head" modifies the noun "sign."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sign *to nod* my head).

Nodding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Nodding communicates agreement without words.

    Nodding communicates agreement without words.

    • "*Nodding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (communicates) + noun phrase (agreement without words).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy nodding in approval.

    I enjoy nodding in approval.

    • "*Nodding* in approval" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*nodding* in approval).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of nodding during conversations.

    She has a habit of nodding during conversations.

    • "Of *nodding* during conversations" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *nodding* during conversations).

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 nod in agreement during the meeting.

They hope to nod their heads to signal approval.

He wants to nod along with the music.

We decided to nod in understanding.

They agreed to nod in unison.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys nodding along with the speaker.

They recommend nodding as a form of active listening.

I dislike the idea of nodding mindlessly.

He avoids nodding in disagreement.

Can you imagine yourself nodding in acceptance?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to nod in agreement. She likes nodding in agreement.

We started to nod our heads together. We started nodding our heads together.

He began to nod in acknowledgment. He began nodding in acknowledgment.

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