To Squat vs Squatting 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 squat (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to squat at the gym to build leg strength.

Squatting (Gerund)

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

Example

Squatting is an effective exercise for building lower body strength.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To squat (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To squat is a fundamental exercise in weightlifting.

  To squat is a fundamental exercise in weightlifting.

  • "*To squat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental exercise in weightlifting).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to squat with her during our workout.

  She wants me to squat with her during our workout.

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

  I need a barbell to squat heavy weights.

  I need a barbell to squat heavy weights.

  • "*To squat* heavy weights" modifies the noun "barbell."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a barbell *to squat* heavy weights).

Squatting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Squatting requires proper technique to avoid injury.

  Squatting requires proper technique to avoid injury.

  • "*Squatting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (proper technique to avoid injury).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy squatting with a weighted barbell.

  I enjoy squatting with a weighted barbell.

  • "*Squatting* with a weighted barbell" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*squatting* with a weighted barbell).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for squatting as part of her workout routine.

  She has a passion for squatting as part of her workout routine.

  • "For *squatting* as part of her workout routine" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *squatting* as part of her workout routine).

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 squat with proper form tomorrow.

They hope to squat their personal best in the upcoming competition.

She wants to squat with a spotter for safety.

We decided to squat twice a week for muscle growth.

They agreed to squat together as part of their fitness routine.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys squatting with proper form and technique.

Fitness experts recommend squatting as a compound exercise for full-body strength.

She dislikes the feeling of fatigue after squatting for a long time.

They avoid squatting with heavy weights without proper guidance.

Can you imagine yourself squatting with double your body weight?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to squat with a wide stance for stability. She likes squatting with a medicine ball for added challenge.

He started to squat regularly as part of his strength training program. He started squatting every day to improve his flexibility.

They began to squat with light weights to practice proper form. They began squatting in a deep range of motion for maximum muscle activation.