To Strut vs Strutting 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 strut (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to strut on the catwalk and show off my confidence.

Strutting (Gerund)

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

Example

Strutting is a confident way to display one's self-assurance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To strut (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To strut is a common behavior among peacocks.

  To strut is a common behavior among peacocks.

  • "*To strut*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common behavior among peacocks).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to strut in front of the audience.

  She wants me to strut in front of the audience.

  • "Me *to strut* in front of the audience" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to strut* in front of the audience).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need stylish shoes to strut confidently.

  I need stylish shoes to strut confidently.

  • "*To strut* confidently" modifies the noun "shoes."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (stylish shoes *to strut* confidently).

Strutting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Strutting is often seen in peacock mating rituals.

  Strutting is often seen in peacock mating rituals.

  • "*Strutting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (often seen in peacock mating rituals).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy strutting my stuff on the dance floor.

  I enjoy strutting my stuff on the dance floor.

  • "*Strutting* my stuff on the dance floor" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*strutting* my stuff on the dance floor).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for strutting with grace.

  She has a talent for strutting with grace.

  • "For *strutting* with grace" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *strutting* with grace).

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 strut down the runway with elegance.

They hope to strut their stuff at the fashion show.

She wants to strut in high heels and make heads turn.

We decided to strut our unique style on the red carpet.

They agreed to strut together in sync at the dance performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys strutting his new outfit at parties.

They recommend strutting confidently to make a lasting impression.

I dislike the idea of strutting in front of a large audience.

She avoids strutting when she feels self-conscious.

Can you imagine yourself strutting on the fashion runway?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to strut in fashionable clothes. She likes strutting in fashionable clothes.

We started to strut confidently on stage. We started strutting confidently on stage.

He began to strut his stuff at the talent show. He began strutting his stuff at the talent show.