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To Snuggle vs Snuggling 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 snuggle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to snuggle with my partner on the couch.

Snuggling (Gerund)

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

Example

Snuggling is a great way to show affection.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To snuggle (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To snuggle is a comforting activity.

    To snuggle is a comforting activity.

    • "*To snuggle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a comforting activity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to snuggle with her tonight.

    She wants me to snuggle with her tonight.

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

    I need a soft blanket to snuggle with.

    I need a soft blanket to snuggle with.

    • "*To snuggle* with" modifies the noun "blanket."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft blanket *to snuggle* with).

Snuggling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Snuggling makes me feel loved and secure.

    Snuggling makes me feel loved and secure.

    • "*Snuggling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (makes) + noun phrase (me feel loved and secure).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy snuggling with my partner.

    I enjoy snuggling with my partner.

    • "*Snuggling* with my partner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*snuggling* with my partner).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for snuggling in bed.

    She has a preference for snuggling in bed.

    • "For *snuggling* in bed" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *snuggling* in bed).

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 snuggle by the fireplace tomorrow evening.

I hope to snuggle with my pets tonight.

We want to snuggle under the warm covers.

He decided to snuggle up with a good book.

They agreed to snuggle together on the couch.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy snuggling by the fireplace on cold nights.

Experts recommend snuggling with your baby for bonding.

He dislikes the idea of snuggling with strangers.

She avoids snuggling when she's feeling hot.

Can you imagine yourself snuggling with a fluffy teddy bear?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to snuggle in bed. I like snuggling in bed.

They started to snuggle regularly. They started snuggling regularly.

She began to snuggle with her newborn baby. She began snuggling with her newborn baby.

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