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To Spew vs Spewing 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 spew (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to spew hateful words towards others.

Spewing (Gerund)

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

Example

Spewing negativity only brings more negativity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To spew (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To spew is a disgusting act.

    To spew is a disgusting act.

    • "*To spew*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a disgusting act).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to spew my opinions in the meeting.

    She wants me to spew my opinions in the meeting.

    • "Me *to spew* my opinions in the meeting" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to spew* my opinions in the meeting).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a trash can to spew my vomit.

    I need a trash can to spew my vomit.

    • "*To spew* my vomit" modifies the noun "trash can."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a trash can *to spew* my vomit).

Spewing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Spewing venom is not the solution.

    Spewing venom is not the solution.

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

    I enjoy spewing out my thoughts on social media.

    I enjoy spewing out my thoughts on social media.

    • "*Spewing* out my thoughts on social media" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*spewing* out my thoughts on social media).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a habit of spewing insults.

    He has a habit of spewing insults.

    • "Of *spewing* insults" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *spewing* insults).

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

We decided to spew out all our frustrations.

He pretended to spew venom at his enemies.

I wish to spew fire like a dragon.

They demand to spew their conspiracy theories.

She refuses to spew lies about her colleagues.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids spewing negative comments online.

They consider spewing their frustrations as a form of release.

I recommend spewing out your anger in a healthy way.

Can you imagine yourself spewing fire like a dragon?

He resists spewing out hurtful words during arguments.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to spew my ideas freely. I like spewing my ideas freely.

We started to spew out our grievances. We started spewing out our grievances.

He began to spew hate speech on social media. He began spewing hate speech on social media.

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