To Straddle vs Straddling 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 straddle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to straddle the fence to get a better view.

Straddling (Gerund)

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

Example

Straddling the line between two opinions can be difficult.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To straddle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To straddle is a challenging skill to learn.

  To straddle is a challenging skill to learn.

  • "*To straddle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging skill to learn).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to straddle the horse.

  She wants me to straddle the horse.

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

  I need a wide fence to straddle comfortably.

  I need a wide fence to straddle comfortably.

  • "*To straddle* comfortably" modifies the noun "fence."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a wide fence *to straddle* comfortably).

Straddling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Straddling different cultures can enrich your perspective.

  Straddling different cultures can enrich your perspective.

  • "*Straddling* different cultures" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (different cultures).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy straddling the motorcycle on long rides.

  I enjoy straddling the motorcycle on long rides.

  • "*Straddling* the motorcycle on long rides" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*straddling* the motorcycle on long rides).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for straddling multiple responsibilities.

  He has a talent for straddling multiple responsibilities.

  • "For *straddling* multiple responsibilities" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *straddling* multiple responsibilities).

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 straddle the log as part of his obstacle course.

They hope to straddle the balance beam without falling.

We want to straddle the bike and ride along the trail.

She decided to straddle the rope and swing across the river.

They agreed to straddle the narrow bridge together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys straddling the fence while practicing gymnastics.

They recommend straddling the line between work and personal life for better balance.

I dislike the feeling of straddling a narrow surface.

He avoids straddling controversial topics in conversations.

Can you imagine yourself straddling a horse and galloping through a field?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to straddle the beam during gymnastics practice. He likes straddling the beam during gymnastics practice.

We started to straddle the bike when we were kids. We started straddling the bike when we were kids.

She began to straddle the fence to improve her balance. She began straddling the fence to improve her balance.