To Stream vs Streaming 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 stream (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to stream my favorite TV show tonight.

Streaming (Gerund)

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

Example

Streaming has revolutionized the way we consume media.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To stream (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To stream is a popular way to watch movies and TV shows nowadays.

  To stream is a popular way to watch movies and TV shows nowadays.

  • "*To stream*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular way to watch movies and TV shows nowadays).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to stream the live concert for her.

  She wants me to stream the live concert for her.

  • "Me *to stream* the live concert for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to stream* the live concert for her).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a stable internet connection to stream high-quality videos.

  I need a stable internet connection to stream high-quality videos.

  • "*To stream* high-quality videos" modifies the noun "internet connection."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stable internet connection *to stream* high-quality videos).

Streaming (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Streaming allows us to access a vast library of content.

  Streaming allows us to access a vast library of content.

  • "*Streaming*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (allows) + noun phrase (us to access a vast library of content).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy streaming movies on my laptop.

  I enjoy streaming movies on my laptop.

  • "*Streaming* movies on my laptop" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*streaming* movies on my laptop).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for streaming music.

  She has a passion for streaming music.

  • "For *streaming* music" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *streaming* music).

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

They plan to stream the game online tomorrow.

I hope to stream the new movie this weekend.

He wants to stream the latest TV series.

We decided to stream the concert instead of attending in person.

They agreed to stream the event live on social media.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys streaming his favorite TV shows in the evening.

They recommend streaming educational videos for self-improvement.

She dislikes the idea of streaming movies on small screens.

I avoid streaming copyrighted content without permission.

Can you imagine yourself streaming live sports events on your phone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to stream movies on her smart TV. She likes streaming movies on her smart TV.

We started to stream our gaming sessions online. We started streaming our gaming sessions online.

He began to stream his own music playlist. He began streaming his own music playlist.