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To Sneak vs Sneaking 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 sneak (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sneak into the movie theater without getting caught.

Sneaking (Gerund)

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

Example

Sneaking around the house at night is exciting.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sneak (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sneak is a thrilling adventure.

    To sneak is a thrilling adventure.

    • "*To sneak*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling adventure).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sneak into the party.

    She wants me to sneak into the party.

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

    He needs a disguise to sneak past security.

    He needs a disguise to sneak past security.

    • "*To sneak* past security" modifies the noun "disguise."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a disguise *to sneak* past security).

Sneaking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sneaking requires careful planning.

    Sneaking requires careful planning.

    • "*Sneaking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sneaking into forbidden places.

    I enjoy sneaking into forbidden places.

    • "*Sneaking* into forbidden places" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sneaking* into forbidden places).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for sneaking past security guards.

    He has a talent for sneaking past security guards.

    • "For *sneaking* past security guards" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *sneaking* past security guards).

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

They plan to sneak into the concert tonight.

I hope to sneak a peek at the surprise party decorations.

We want to sneak into the restricted area.

She decided to sneak out of the house after dark.

They agreed to sneak some snacks into the movie theater.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy sneaking up on their friends and scaring them.

I recommend not sneaking out of the house without permission.

She dislikes the idea of sneaking into a restricted area.

He avoids sneaking around when there are security cameras.

Can you imagine yourself sneaking into a museum after hours?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sneak out of the house at night. She likes sneaking around the neighborhood at night.

They started to sneak cookies from the jar. They started sneaking cookies from the jar.

He began to sneak into the abandoned building. He began sneaking into the abandoned building.

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