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To Primp vs Primping 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 primp (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to primp before the party to look my best.

Primping (Gerund)

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

Example

Primping is an essential part of getting ready for a special occasion.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To primp (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To primp takes time and effort.

    To primp takes time and effort.

    • "*To primp*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (time and effort).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to primp her hair for the event.

    She wants me to primp her hair for the event.

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

    I need a mirror to primp in front of.

    I need a mirror to primp in front of.

    • "*To primp* in front of" modifies the noun "mirror."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mirror *to primp* in front of).

Primping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Primping requires attention to detail.

    Primping requires attention to detail.

    • "*Primping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy primping my nails at the salon.

    I enjoy primping my nails at the salon.

    • "*Primping* my nails at the salon" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*primping* my nails at the salon).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for primping her hair.

    She has a passion for primping her hair.

    • "For *primping* her hair" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *primping* her hair).

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 primp her makeup before the photoshoot.

They hope to primp their outfits before the fashion show.

He wants to primp his hair before the date.

We decided to primp our nails for the party.

They agreed to primp their costumes together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys primping her makeup before going out.

They recommend regular primping for a polished appearance.

I dislike the idea of primping for hours.

He avoids primping his hair in elaborate styles.

Can you imagine yourself primping for a red carpet event?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to primp her outfit before going out. She likes primping her outfit before going out.

We started to primp our hair for the wedding. We started primping our hair for the wedding.

He began to primp his appearance before important meetings. He began primping his appearance before important meetings.

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