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To Sunbathe vs Sunbathing 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 sunbathe (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sunbathe on the beach to get a tan.

Sunbathing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sunbathing is a relaxing way to enjoy the warm weather.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sunbathe (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sunbathe is a popular summer activity.

    To sunbathe is a popular summer activity.

    • "*To sunbathe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular summer activity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sunbathe with her.

    She wants me to sunbathe with her.

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

    I need a comfortable chair to sunbathe in.

    I need a comfortable chair to sunbathe in.

    • "*To sunbathe* in" modifies the noun "chair."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to sunbathe* in).

Sunbathing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sunbathing can be quite enjoyable.

    Sunbathing can be quite enjoyable.

    • "*Sunbathing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (quite enjoyable).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sunbathing on the deck.

    I enjoy sunbathing on the deck.

    • "*Sunbathing* on the deck" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sunbathing* on the deck).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for sunbathing.

    She has a passion for sunbathing.

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

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 plans to sunbathe at the poolside tomorrow.

They hope to sunbathe on the tropical island during their vacation.

He wants to sunbathe by the pool.

We decided to sunbathe at the rooftop bar this weekend.

They agreed to sunbathe together at the beach.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sunbathing at the beach every weekend.

They recommend regular sunbathing for a healthy glow.

I dislike the idea of sunbathing in direct sunlight.

He avoids sunbathing during peak hours.

Can you imagine yourself sunbathing on a private island?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sunbathe in the garden. She likes sunbathing on the balcony.

We started to sunbathe regularly. We started sunbathing regularly.

He began to sunbathe at the beach. He began sunbathing at the beach.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!