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To Prattle vs Prattling 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 prattle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to prattle about things I know nothing about.

Prattling (Gerund)

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

Example

Prattling on and on can annoy others.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prattle (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To prattle is a waste of time.

    To prattle is a waste of time.

    • "*To prattle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a waste of time).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to prattle on and on about my day.

    She wants me to prattle on and on about my day.

    • "Me *to prattle* on and on about my day" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to prattle* on and on about my day).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a purpose to prattle on about something.

    I need a purpose to prattle on about something.

    • "*To prattle* on about something" modifies the noun "purpose."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a purpose *to prattle* on about something).

Prattling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Prattling on and on is not productive.

    Prattling on and on is not productive.

    • "*Prattling* on and on" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not productive).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy prattling about my hobbies.

    I enjoy prattling about my hobbies.

    • "*Prattling* about my hobbies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*prattling* about my hobbies).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for prattling without any pause.

    She has a talent for prattling without any pause.

    • "For *prattling* without any pause" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *prattling* without any pause).

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

They refuse to prattle about irrelevant topics.

He demands to prattle on about his achievements.

We pretend to prattle about our favorite TV shows.

She chose to prattle on about her recent vacation.

They determined to prattle on about their upcoming projects.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys prattling with his friends during lunch breaks.

They avoid prattling during important meetings.

I can't imagine prattling for hours without taking a breath.

She considers prattling a form of self-expression.

They recommend avoiding unnecessary prattling.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to prattle about random trivia. I like prattling about random trivia.

We started to prattle about our weekend plans. We started prattling about our weekend plans.

He began to prattle nonstop about his new car. He began prattling nonstop about his new car.

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