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To Ponder vs Pondering 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 ponder (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ponder the meaning of life.

Pondering (Gerund)

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

Example

Pondering is a way to gain insight.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ponder (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ponder is a valuable skill.

    To ponder is a valuable skill.

    • "*To ponder*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ponder her question.

    She wants me to ponder her question.

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

    I need a quiet place to ponder my options.

    I need a quiet place to ponder my options.

    • "*To ponder* my options" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to ponder* my options).

Pondering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Pondering leads to deeper understanding.

    Pondering leads to deeper understanding.

    • "*Pondering*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (leads) + noun phrase (deeper understanding).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy pondering philosophical questions.

    I enjoy pondering philosophical questions.

    • "*Pondering* philosophical questions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pondering* philosophical questions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of pondering the meaning of life.

    She has a habit of pondering the meaning of life.

    • "Of *pondering* the meaning of life" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *pondering* 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 decided to ponder her decision overnight.

They hope to ponder the consequences before making a choice.

He wants to ponder all the possibilities before making a decision.

We attempted to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

They struggled to ponder the complexities of the problem.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys pondering deep thoughts in solitude.

They recommend pondering different perspectives for personal growth.

I avoid pondering negative thoughts to maintain peace of mind.

Can you imagine yourself pondering the mysteries of the universe?

He doesn't mind pondering complex problems.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ponder the meaning of existence. She likes pondering the meaning of existence.

We started to ponder the purpose of life. We started pondering the purpose of life.

He began to ponder his future. He began pondering his future.

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