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To Queen vs Queening 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 queen (Infinitive)

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

Example

She wants to queen the chessboard with her strategic moves.

Queening (Gerund)

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

Example

Queening is a crucial move in a game of chess.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To queen (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To queen is the ultimate goal in a game of chess.

    To queen is the ultimate goal in a game of chess.

    • "*To queen*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the ultimate goal in a game of chess).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to queen the pawn.

    He wants me to queen the pawn.

    • "Me *to queen* the pawn" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to queen* the pawn).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a strong position to queen my pawn.

    I need a strong position to queen my pawn.

    • "*To queen* my pawn" modifies the noun "position."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong position *to queen* my pawn).

Queening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Queening can turn the tide of a chess game.

    Queening can turn the tide of a chess game.

    • "*Queening*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (turn the tide of a chess game).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy queening my pawns to dominate the board.

    I enjoy queening my pawns to dominate the board.

    • "*Queening* my pawns to dominate the board" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*queening* my pawns to dominate the board).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for queening her pawns.

    She has a talent for queening her pawns.

    • "For *queening* her pawns" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *queening* her pawns).

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 queen the chessboard in her next move.

They hope to queen their pawn and secure victory.

He wants to queen multiple pawns in a single game.

We decided to queen the rook to gain an advantage.

They agreed to queen the bishop for a tactical advantage.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys queening her pawn and gaining a powerful piece.

They recommend practicing queening for improved chess skills.

I dislike the idea of queening my pawn too early in the game.

He avoids queening his pawn prematurely and risking a disadvantage.

Can you imagine yourself queening your pawn and winning the game?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to queen her pawns strategically. She likes queening her pawns strategically.

We started to queen our pawns in the middle game. We started queening our pawns in the middle game.

He began to queen his pawn after careful planning. He began queening his pawn after careful planning.

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