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To Rock vs Rocking 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 rock (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rock the stage with my performance.

Rocking (Gerund)

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

Example

Rocking out to your favorite song is so much fun.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rock (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To rock is his dream.

    To rock is his dream.

    • "*To rock*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his dream).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to rock the concert.

    She wants me to rock the concert.

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

    I need a guitar to rock the show.

    I need a guitar to rock the show.

    • "*To rock* the show" modifies the noun "guitar."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guitar *to rock* the show).

Rocking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Rocking is an energetic dance style.

    Rocking is an energetic dance style.

    • "*Rocking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an energetic dance style).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy rocking out to loud music.

    I enjoy rocking out to loud music.

    • "*Rocking* out to loud music" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rocking* out to loud music).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for rocking the stage.

    She has a passion for rocking the stage.

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

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 plan to rock the music festival next year.

I hope to rock the crowd at my concert.

We want to rock the party with our performance.

He decided to rock the stage with his singing talent.

They agreed to rock the concert together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy rocking to their favorite songs at concerts.

Experts recommend regular rocking for cardiovascular fitness.

I dislike the idea of rocking in uncomfortable shoes.

He avoids rocking to slow music.

Can you imagine yourself rocking on stage in front of thousands of people?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to rock out at music festivals. She likes rocking out at music festivals.

They started to rock the band. They started rocking the band.

He began to rock the stage with his amazing performances. He began rocking the stage with his amazing performances.

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