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To Rain vs Raining 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 rain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to rain will stop soon so we can go outside.

Raining (Gerund)

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

Example

Raining can be a mood dampener.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rain (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rain in the desert is a rare occurrence.

    To rain in the desert is a rare occurrence.

    • "*To rain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a rare occurrence).
  • 2Object

    They want the rain to stop before they go hiking.

    They want the rain to stop before they go hiking.

    • "The rain *to stop* before they go hiking" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the rain *to stop* before they go hiking).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need an umbrella to protect us from the rain.

    We need an umbrella to protect us from the rain.

    • "*To protect* us from the rain" modifies the noun "umbrella."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (an umbrella *to protect* us from the rain).

Raining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Raining makes the roads slippery.

    Raining makes the roads slippery.

    • "*Raining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (makes) + noun phrase (the roads slippery).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy raining and the sound it creates.

    I enjoy raining and the sound it creates.

    • "*Raining* and the sound it creates" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*raining*) + conjunction (and) + noun phrase (the sound it creates).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a love for raining days.

    She has a love for raining days.

    • "For *raining* days" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a love for *raining* days).

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

I hope to rain will cool down the temperature.

She wants to rain for her garden to grow.

They plan to rain during their camping trip.

We decided to rain is a good reason to stay indoors.

He attempted to rain on the parade but failed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy raining as it brings a sense of calmness.

Doctors recommend staying indoors when it's raining heavily.

We should avoid going out when it's raining heavily.

Have you considered raining as a form of relaxation?

Can you imagine raining during a heatwave?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to rain on a hot summer day. I like raining on a hot summer day.

They started to rain unexpectedly. They started raining unexpectedly.

He began to rain just as we left the house. He began raining just as we left the house.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!