To Swirl vs Swirling 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 swirl (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to swirl the paint colors together to create a unique pattern.

Swirling (Gerund)

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

Example

Swirling the wine in the glass enhances its aroma.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To swirl (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To swirl is a technique used in painting.

  To swirl is a technique used in painting.

  • "*To swirl*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a technique used in painting).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to swirl the cake batter.

  She wants me to swirl the cake batter.

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

  I need a spoon to swirl the ingredients together.

  I need a spoon to swirl the ingredients together.

  • "*To swirl* the ingredients together" modifies the noun "spoon."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spoon *to swirl* the ingredients together).

Swirling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Swirling helps to release the flavors of the wine.

  Swirling helps to release the flavors of the wine.

  • "*Swirling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (to release the flavors of the wine).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy swirling my paintbrush on the canvas.

  I enjoy swirling my paintbrush on the canvas.

  • "*Swirling* my paintbrush on the canvas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*swirling* my paintbrush on the canvas).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for swirling dance routines.

  She has a passion for swirling dance routines.

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

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

• choose
• refuse
• attempt
• pretend
• manage

Example

She chose to swirl the colors in an abstract painting.

He refused to swirl the icing on the cake.

They attempted to swirl the mixture to create a marble effect.

We pretended to swirl our wands to cast a spell.

She managed to swirl the fabric into an elegant dress.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• resist
• consider
• discuss

Example

He enjoys swirling his fingers through the water.

They recommend swirling the sauce for a richer flavor.

I couldn't resist swirling around in the new dress.

She considered swirling her hair into a stylish updo.

We discussed the technique of swirling paint on canvas.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to swirl the coffee in his cup. He likes swirling the coffee in his cup.

We started to swirl the ingredients together. We started swirling the ingredients together.

She began to swirl the colors on the palette. She began swirling the colors on the palette.