To Spackle vs Spackling 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 spackle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to spackle the holes in the wall before painting.

Spackling (Gerund)

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

Example

Spackling is necessary to achieve a smooth surface.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To spackle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To spackle is an important step in repairing drywall.

  To spackle is an important step in repairing drywall.

  • "*To spackle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in repairing drywall).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to spackle the ceiling.

  She wants me to spackle the ceiling.

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

  I need a putty knife to spackle the cracks.

  I need a putty knife to spackle the cracks.

  • "*To spackle* the cracks" modifies the noun "putty knife."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a putty knife *to spackle* the cracks).

Spackling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Spackling requires attention to detail.

  Spackling requires attention to detail.

  • "*Spackling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy spackling the walls.

  I enjoy spackling the walls.

  • "*Spackling* the walls" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*spackling* the walls).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for spackling.

  She has a talent for spackling.

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

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
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to spackle the walls this weekend.

They hope to spackle all the imperfections in the drywall.

She wants to spackle the holes before painting.

We decided to spackle the ceiling ourselves.

They agreed to spackle the entire room together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

They recommend using a flexible putty knife for spackling.

He avoids spackling in humid weather.

Can you imagine yourself spackling the entire room?

We are considering hiring a professional for spackling.

I don't mind spackling the walls, but I dislike sanding.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to spackle small cracks and imperfections. She likes spackling small cracks and imperfections.

We started to spackle the walls from top to bottom. We started spackling the walls from top to bottom.

He began to spackle the holes with precision. He began spackling the holes with precision.