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To Shower vs Showering 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 shower (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to shower before going out.

Showering (Gerund)

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

Example

Showering is a refreshing way to start the day.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shower (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To shower is a daily routine for most people.

    To shower is a daily routine for most people.

    • "*To shower*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a daily routine for most people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to shower in the morning.

    She wants me to shower in the morning.

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

    I need a clean bathroom to shower comfortably.

    I need a clean bathroom to shower comfortably.

    • "*To shower* comfortably" modifies the noun "bathroom."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clean bathroom *to shower* comfortably).

Showering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Showering helps to wake me up in the morning.

    Showering helps to wake me up in the morning.

    • "*Showering*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (to wake me up in the morning).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy showering with scented body wash.

    I enjoy showering with scented body wash.

    • "*Showering* with scented body wash" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*showering* with scented body wash).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for showering in the evening.

    She has a preference for showering in the evening.

    • "For *showering*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *showering* in the evening).

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

He plans to shower after his workout.

They hope to shower with warm water during their camping trip.

She wants to shower before the party starts.

We decided to shower together to save time.

They agreed to shower separately in the morning.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys showering in cold water during hot summers.

They recommend taking a quick showering for better hygiene.

I dislike the feeling of wet hair after showering.

She avoids showering in public places.

Can you imagine yourself showering under a waterfall?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to shower with scented candles. She likes showering with scented candles.

We started to shower together every morning. We started showering together every morning.

He began to shower twice a day. He began showering twice a day.

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