Help center

To Scoot vs Scooting Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 scoot (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to scoot around the neighborhood on my new scooter.

Scooting (Gerund)

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

Example

Scooting is a popular activity among kids.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To scoot (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To scoot is a fun way to get around town.

    To scoot is a fun way to get around town.

    • "*To scoot*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun way to get around town).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to scoot with her to the park.

    She wants me to scoot with her to the park.

    • "Me *to scoot* with her to the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to scoot* with her to the park).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a smooth surface to scoot on.

    I need a smooth surface to scoot on.

    • "*To scoot* on" modifies the noun "surface."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a smooth surface *to scoot* on).

Scooting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Scooting requires balance and coordination.

    Scooting requires balance and coordination.

    • "*Scooting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (balance and coordination).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy scooting around the park.

    I enjoy scooting around the park.

    • "*Scooting* around the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*scooting* around the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for scooting.

    She has a passion for scooting.

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

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 scoot around the block tomorrow.

They hope to scoot to the ice cream shop after dinner.

He wants to scoot in the park with his friends.

We decided to scoot to the library instead of walking.

They agreed to scoot together in the race.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys scooting down the hill.

They recommend wearing safety gear while scooting.

I dislike the idea of scooting in heavy traffic.

He avoids scooting on rough terrain.

Can you imagine yourself scooting through the city streets?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to scoot in the park. She likes scooting in the park.

We started to scoot to school. We started scooting to school.

He began to scoot around the neighborhood. He began scooting around the neighborhood.

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!