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To Oink vs Oinking 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 oink (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to oink like a pig.

Oinking (Gerund)

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

Example

Oinking is the sound pigs make.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To oink (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To oink is a unique sound made by pigs.

    To oink is a unique sound made by pigs.

    • "*To oink*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique sound made by pigs).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to oink in the talent show.

    She wants me to oink in the talent show.

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

    I need a pig to oink at the farm.

    I need a pig to oink at the farm.

    • "*To oink* at the farm" modifies the noun "pig."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pig *to oink* at the farm).

Oinking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Oinking can be heard from the pig pen.

    Oinking can be heard from the pig pen.

    • "*Oinking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be heard) + noun phrase (from the pig pen).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy oinking like a pig.

    I enjoy oinking like a pig.

    • "*Oinking* like a pig" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*oinking* like a pig).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fascination with oinking.

    She has a fascination with oinking.

    • "With *oinking*" is the object of the preposition "with."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fascination with *oinking*).

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 oink like a pig at the party.

They hope to oink together during their performance.

He wants to oink loudly for everyone to hear.

We decided to oink as part of our comedy routine.

They agreed to oink in harmony for the farm-themed event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys oinking in her role as a pig in the play.

They recommend regular oinking for a pig's vocal exercise.

I dislike the sound of oinking in the early morning.

He avoids oinking when he's around people.

Can you imagine yourself oinking at a farm?!

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to oink whenever she sees pigs. She likes oinking whenever she sees pigs.

We started to oink as part of our pig-themed performance. We started oinking as part of our pig-themed performance.

He began to oink when he realized he could mimic a pig. He began oinking when he realized he could mimic a pig.

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