Help center

To Swoon vs Swooning Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 swoon (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to swoon when I see my favorite actor on stage.

Swooning (Gerund)

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

Example

Swooning over romantic movies is her guilty pleasure.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To swoon (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To swoon is a common reaction to romantic gestures.

    To swoon is a common reaction to romantic gestures.

    • "*To swoon*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common reaction to romantic gestures).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to swoon over her singing.

    She wants me to swoon over her singing.

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

    I need a romantic movie to swoon over.

    I need a romantic movie to swoon over.

    • "*To swoon* over" modifies the noun "movie."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a romantic movie *to swoon* over).

Swooning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Swooning is a natural response to intense emotions.

    Swooning is a natural response to intense emotions.

    • "*Swooning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural response to intense emotions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy swooning over love songs.

    I enjoy swooning over love songs.

    • "*Swooning* over love songs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*swooning* over love songs).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a weakness for swooning over romantic gestures.

    She has a weakness for swooning over romantic gestures.

    • "For *swooning* over romantic gestures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a weakness for *swooning* over romantic gestures).

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

I would like to swoon at the sight of my favorite celebrity.

They hope to swoon over the breathtaking view from the top.

He wants to swoon in the arms of his lover.

We decided to swoon over the romantic novel together.

They agreed to swoon at the surprise proposal.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys swooning over love stories every night.

They recommend swooning to experience pure bliss.

I avoid swooning over cheesy romantic movies.

Can you imagine yourself swooning at a beautiful sunset?

I don't mind swooning over romantic poetry.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to swoon when she hears love songs. She likes swooning when she hears love songs.

We started to swoon after watching a romantic movie. We started swooning after watching a romantic movie.

He began to swoon over her as soon as they met. He began swooning over her as soon as they met.

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!