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To Smell vs Smelling 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 smell (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to smell the flowers in the garden.

Smelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Smelling the roses brings me joy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To smell (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To smell is one of the five senses.

    To smell is one of the five senses.

    • "*To smell*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (one of the five senses).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to smell the perfume.

    She wants me to smell the perfume.

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

    I need a flower to smell.

    I need a flower to smell.

    • "*To smell*" modifies the noun "flower."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a flower *to smell*).

Smelling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Smelling is a powerful sense.

    Smelling is a powerful sense.

    • "*Smelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a powerful sense).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy smelling the coffee in the morning.

    I enjoy smelling the coffee in the morning.

    • "*Smelling* the coffee in the morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*smelling* the coffee in the morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for smelling different scents.

    She has a talent for smelling different scents.

    • "For *smelling* different scents" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *smelling* different scents).

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 enjoys to smell the aroma of freshly baked bread.

They want to smell the fragrance of the roses.

She likes to smell the scent of lavender.

He tried to smell the perfume to see if he liked it.

They refused to smell the rotten eggs.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids smelling strong odors.

They consider smelling the roses as a form of relaxation.

I recommend smelling the perfume before buying it.

Do you mind smelling this dish to check if it's spoiled?

Can you imagine smelling the fresh air in the mountains?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She loves to smell the ocean breeze. She loves smelling the ocean breeze.

We started to smell the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen. We started smelling the delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.

He began to smell the flowers in his garden every morning. He began smelling the flowers in his garden every morning.

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