To Smoulder vs Smouldering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To smoulder (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to smoulder in anger and choose to let it go.

Smouldering (Gerund)

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

Example

Smouldering can be dangerous if not controlled.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To smoulder (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To smoulder is a sign of hidden fire.

  To smoulder is a sign of hidden fire.

  • "*To smoulder*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of hidden fire).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to smoulder with desire.

  She wants me to smoulder with desire.

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

  I need a spark to smoulder the firewood.

  I need a spark to smoulder the firewood.

  • "*To smoulder* the firewood" modifies the noun "spark."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spark *to smoulder* the firewood).

Smouldering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Smouldering is a sign of a potential fire.

  Smouldering is a sign of a potential fire.

  • "*Smouldering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of a potential fire).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy smouldering candles in the evening.

  I enjoy smouldering candles in the evening.

  • "*Smouldering* candles in the evening" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*smouldering* candles in the evening).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fascination with smouldering embers.

  She has a fascination with smouldering embers.

  • "With *smouldering* embers" is the object of the preposition "with."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fascination with *smouldering* embers).

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

• plan
• want
• hope
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to smoulder the incense for a calming effect.

He wants to smoulder with passion in his artwork.

They hope to smoulder with creativity in their project.

We decided to smoulder with determination and achieve our goals.

They agreed to smoulder with intensity during the performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• imagine
• consider
• resist

Example

He avoids smouldering fires by practicing fire safety.

They recommend smouldering scented candles for a relaxing atmosphere.

Can you imagine the room smouldering with mysterious ambiance?

She considers smouldering charcoal for a slow-cooked flavor.

I can't resist smouldering glances from across the room.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to smoulder with passion. She likes smouldering with passion.

We started to smoulder incense in our meditation practice. We started smouldering incense in our meditation practice.

He began to smoulder with resentment. He began smouldering with resentment.