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To Shudder vs Shuddering 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 shudder (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to shudder at the thought of spiders.

Shuddering (Gerund)

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

Example

Shuddering is an involuntary reaction to cold.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shudder (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To shudder is a natural reaction to fear.

    To shudder is a natural reaction to fear.

    • "*To shudder*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural reaction to fear).
  • 2Object

    She asked him to shudder in fear.

    She asked him to shudder in fear.

    • "Him *to shudder* in fear" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to shudder* in fear).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a blanket to shudder under.

    He needs a blanket to shudder under.

    • "*To shudder* under" modifies the noun "blanket."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a blanket *to shudder* under).

Shuddering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Shuddering can be a symptom of anxiety.

    Shuddering can be a symptom of anxiety.

    • "*Shuddering*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a symptom of anxiety).
  • 2Object

    She dislikes shuddering in fear.

    She dislikes shuddering in fear.

    • "*Shuddering* in fear" is the object of the verb "dislikes."
    • Noun (She) + verb (dislikes) + gerund (*shuddering* in fear).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of shuddering.

    He has a fear of shuddering.

    • "Of *shuddering*" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *shuddering*).

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 will try to shudder less when I'm scared.

They refused to shudder at the horror movie.

She pretended to shudder in disgust.

We hope to shudder less in the future.

He determined to shudder at every scary scene.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids shuddering in cold weather.

They recommend deep breathing to reduce shuddering.

Do you mind shuddering during scary movies?

He considers shuddering as a sign of weakness.

I enjoy shuddering with excitement.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to shudder when watching horror films. They like shuddering when watching horror films.

She started to shudder uncontrollably. She started shuddering uncontrollably.

He began to shudder at the thought of spiders. He began shuddering at the thought of spiders.

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