Help center

To Smote vs Smoting 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 smote (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to smote my enemies in battle.

Smoting (Gerund)

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

Example

Smoting is an act of aggression.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To smote (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To smote is a powerful strike.

    To smote is a powerful strike.

    • "*To smote*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a powerful strike).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to smote his enemies.

    He wants me to smote his enemies.

    • "Me *to smote* his enemies" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to smote* his enemies).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a weapon to smote my enemies.

    I need a weapon to smote my enemies.

    • "*To smote* my enemies" modifies the noun "weapon."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a weapon *to smote* my enemies).

Smoting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Smoting is not a peaceful solution.

    Smoting is not a peaceful solution.

    • "*Smoting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a peaceful solution).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy smoting my enemies in battle.

    I enjoy smoting my enemies in battle.

    • "*Smoting* my enemies in battle" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*smoting* my enemies in battle).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for smoting.

    He has a passion for smoting.

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

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 smote the dragon with his sword.

They hope to smote their enemies and emerge victorious.

She wants to smote her opponents with her powerful punches.

We decided to smote our foes and protect our kingdom.

They agreed to smote their enemies together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys smoting her opponents in combat.

They recommend regular smoting for self-defense skills.

I dislike the idea of smoting innocent people.

He avoids smoting in non-combat situations.

Can you imagine yourself smoting mythical creatures?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to smote her enemies with lightning bolts. She likes smoting her enemies with lightning bolts.

We started to smote our adversaries in the epic battle. We started smoting our adversaries in the epic battle.

He began to smote his enemies with great force. He began smoting his enemies with great force.

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!