To Squint vs Squinting 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 squint (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to squint in order to see the small print.

Squinting (Gerund)

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

Example

Squinting can lead to eye strain and fatigue.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To squint (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To squint is not a good habit for your eyes.

  To squint is not a good habit for your eyes.

  • "*To squint*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a good habit for your eyes).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to squint at the distant object.

  She wants me to squint at the distant object.

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

  I need glasses to squint less.

  I need glasses to squint less.

  • "*To squint* less" modifies the noun "glasses."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (glasses *to squint* less).

Squinting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Squinting is a common sign of nearsightedness.

  Squinting is a common sign of nearsightedness.

  • "*Squinting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common sign of nearsightedness).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy squinting at the sunset to create a beautiful effect.

  I enjoy squinting at the sunset to create a beautiful effect.

  • "*Squinting* at the sunset" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*squinting* at the sunset).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of squinting in bright sunlight.

  She has a habit of squinting in bright sunlight.

  • "Of *squinting* in bright sunlight" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *squinting* in bright sunlight).

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

• decide
• attempt
• wish
• struggle
• demand

Example

We decided to squint and try to read the fine print.

He attempted to squint his eyes to see better.

They wish to squint less and have clear vision.

She struggles to squint and focus on distant objects.

The teacher demands to squint and pay attention to details.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• imagine
• understand

Example

He avoids squinting by wearing sunglasses.

They recommend regular eye exercises to prevent squinting.

I am considering squinting my eyes to read the tiny text.

Can you imagine yourself squinting in the bright light?

I understand the importance of squinting to protect my eyes.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to squint when she's concentrating. She likes squinting when she's concentrating.

We started to squint more often in bright light. We started squinting more often in bright light.

He began to squint in order to see clearly. He began squinting in order to see clearly.