To Ponder vs Pondering 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 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 allows us to reflect on our choices.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ponder (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To ponder is a common pastime for philosophers.

  To ponder is a common pastime for philosophers.

  • "*To ponder*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common pastime for philosophers).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to ponder the decision.

  She wants me to ponder the decision.

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

  I need a quiet place to ponder my thoughts.

  I need a quiet place to ponder my thoughts.

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

Pondering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Pondering is an important part of the decision-making process.

  Pondering is an important part of the decision-making process.

  • "*Pondering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important part of the decision-making process).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy pondering the mysteries of the universe.

  I enjoy pondering the mysteries of the universe.

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

  He has a habit of pondering his actions.

  He has a habit of pondering his actions.

  • "Of *pondering* his actions" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *pondering* his actions).

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

• consider
• plan
• wish
• decide
• refuse

Example

He considers to ponder deeply before making a decision.

They plan to ponder their options over the weekend.

I wish to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

We decided to ponder the consequences before taking action.

She refused to ponder the question any further.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• mind
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys pondering deep philosophical questions.

They recommend regular pondering for personal growth.

I don't mind pondering different perspectives.

He avoids pondering negative thoughts.

Can you imagine yourself pondering the mysteries of the universe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

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

We started to ponder the implications of our actions. We started pondering the implications of our actions.

He began to ponder the nature of reality. He began pondering the nature of reality.