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To Summon vs Summoning Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To summon (Infinitive)

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

Example

The wizard wants to summon a powerful creature.

Summoning (Gerund)

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

Example

Summoning requires great concentration and skill.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To summon (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To summon is a magical ability.

    To summon is a magical ability.

    • "*To summon*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a magical ability).
  • 2Object

    He asked her to summon the spirits.

    He asked her to summon the spirits.

    • "Her *to summon* the spirits" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (He) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (her *to summon* the spirits).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a special artifact to summon the guardian.

    I need a special artifact to summon the guardian.

    • "*To summon* the guardian" modifies the noun "artifact."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a special artifact *to summon* the guardian).

Summoning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Summoning is an advanced technique in magic.

    Summoning is an advanced technique in magic.

    • "*Summoning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an advanced technique in magic).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy summoning spirits from other realms.

    I enjoy summoning spirits from other realms.

    • "*Summoning* spirits from other realms" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*summoning* spirits from other realms).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for summoning mystical creatures.

    She has a talent for summoning mystical creatures.

    • "For *summoning* mystical creatures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *summoning* mystical creatures).

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

Example

She hopes to summon a powerful ally for the battle.

They decided to summon the ancient spirits for guidance.

He plans to summon a storm to protect his kingdom.

The council refused to summon the accused for questioning.

We attempted to summon a demon but failed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids summoning dark forces at all costs.

They recommend practicing summoning in a controlled environment.

I am considering summoning the spirit of my ancestors.

Do you mind summoning a familiar for me?

Can you imagine summoning a dragon with a single spell?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to summon supernatural beings. She likes summoning supernatural beings.

We began to summon spirits during the full moon. We began summoning spirits during the full moon.

He continues to summon elemental powers. He continues summoning elemental powers.

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