To Plummet vs Plummeting 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 plummet (Infinitive)

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

Example

To plummet from the sky is every skydiver's worst nightmare.

Plummeting (Gerund)

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

Example

Plummeting from the sky can be a thrilling experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To plummet (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To plummet is a terrifying experience.

  To plummet is a terrifying experience.

  • "*To plummet*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a terrifying experience).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to plummet with her in a tandem jump.

  She wants me to plummet with her in a tandem jump.

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

  I need a parachute to plummet safely.

  I need a parachute to plummet safely.

  • "*To plummet* safely" modifies the noun "parachute."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a parachute *to plummet* safely).

Plummeting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Plummeting is an extreme sport.

  Plummeting is an extreme sport.

  • "*Plummeting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an extreme sport).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy plummeting through the air during a free fall.

  I enjoy plummeting through the air during a free fall.

  • "*Plummeting* through the air" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*plummeting* through the air).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a fear of plummeting without a parachute.

  He has a fear of plummeting without a parachute.

  • "A fear of *plummeting* without a parachute" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *plummeting* without a parachute).

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

• decide
• plan
• attempt
• wish
• demand

Example

We decided to plummet from a higher altitude for an adrenaline rush.

They plan to plummet together in a skydiving competition.

He attempted to plummet through a cloud formation for a unique experience.

I wish to plummet like a bird and feel the freedom of the sky.

The daredevil demanded to plummet at maximum speed to break a record.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• resist
• understand

Example

She avoids plummeting in bad weather conditions.

They recommend plummeting with a certified instructor for safety.

I am considering plummeting as a thrilling adventure.

He resisted plummeting despite his fear of heights.

Can you understand the feeling of plummeting through the clouds?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to plummet from great heights. She likes plummeting from great heights.

We began to plummet after completing our skydiving training. We began plummeting after completing our skydiving training.

He continues to plummet as a professional skydiver. He continues plummeting as a professional skydiver.