To Scatter vs Scattering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To scatter (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to scatter the seeds across the field.

Scattering (Gerund)

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

Example

Scattering the seeds provides better coverage.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To scatter (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To scatter is an effective way to distribute the seeds evenly.

  To scatter is an effective way to distribute the seeds evenly.

  • "*To scatter*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an effective way to distribute the seeds evenly).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to scatter the petals on the table.

  She wants me to scatter the petals on the table.

  • "Me *to scatter* the petals on the table" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to scatter* the petals on the table).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a bag to scatter the breadcrumbs.

  I need a bag to scatter the breadcrumbs.

  • "*To scatter* the breadcrumbs" modifies the noun "bag."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bag *to scatter* the breadcrumbs).

Scattering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Scattering is a common method for sowing seeds.

  Scattering is a common method for sowing seeds.

  • "*Scattering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common method for sowing seeds).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy scattering birdseed in the backyard.

  I enjoy scattering birdseed in the backyard.

  • "*Scattering* birdseed in the backyard" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*scattering* birdseed in the backyard).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for scattering rose petals.

  She has a talent for scattering rose petals.

  • "For *scattering* rose petals" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *scattering* rose petals).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to scatter the confetti at the party tomorrow.

They hope to scatter flower petals along the aisle during the wedding.

He wants to scatter the leaves in the garden.

We decided to scatter the flyers in the neighborhood this weekend.

They agreed to scatter the seeds together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys scattering paint on canvas to create abstract art.

They recommend regular scattering of fertilizer for healthy plant growth.

I dislike the idea of scattering trash in public places.

He avoids scattering seeds in areas with high foot traffic.

Can you imagine yourself scattering confetti at a celebration?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to scatter confetti at parties. She likes scattering confetti at parties.

We started to scatter rose petals along the path. We started scattering rose petals along the path.

He began to scatter breadcrumbs for the birds. He began scattering breadcrumbs for the birds.