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 strengthen my legs.

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 a challenging exercise that targets multiple muscle groups.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To squat (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To squat is an effective exercise for building lower body strength.

  To squat is an effective exercise for building lower body strength.

  • "*To squat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an effective exercise for building lower body strength).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to squat with her during the workout.

  She wants me to squat with her during the workout.

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

  I need a stability ball to squat on.

  I need a stability ball to squat on.

  • "*To squat* on" modifies the noun "stability ball."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stability ball *to squat* on).

Squatting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Squatting requires proper form and technique to prevent injuries.

  Squatting requires proper form and technique to prevent injuries.

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

  I enjoy squatting with a barbell on my shoulders.

  I enjoy squatting with a barbell on my shoulders.

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

  She has a passion for squatting in different variations.

  She has a passion for squatting in different variations.

  • "For *squatting* in different variations" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *squatting* in different variations).

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

She plans to squat with heavier weights next week.

They hope to squat deeper for better results.

He wants to squat with proper form and technique.

We decided to squat as part of our leg day routine.

They agreed to squat together to motivate each other.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys squatting with dumbbells for added resistance.

They recommend incorporating squatting into your leg workout routine.

I dislike the feeling of soreness after squatting heavy weights.

He avoids squatting with improper form to prevent injuries.

Can you imagine yourself squatting with a barbell twice your body weight?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to squat with a kettlebell. She likes squatting with a kettlebell.

We started to squat regularly at the gym. We started squatting regularly at the gym.

He began to squat with proper guidance from a trainer. He began squatting with proper guidance from a trainer.