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To Tumble vs Tumbling 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 tumble (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to tumble down the hill for fun.

Tumbling (Gerund)

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

Example

Tumbling requires strength and flexibility.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To tumble (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To tumble is a common skill in gymnastics.

    To tumble is a common skill in gymnastics.

    • "*To tumble*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common skill in gymnastics).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to tumble with her at the park.

    She wants me to tumble with her at the park.

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

    I need a soft mat to tumble on.

    I need a soft mat to tumble on.

    • "*To tumble* on" modifies the noun "mat."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft mat *to tumble* on).

Tumbling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Tumbling is an exciting sport to watch.

    Tumbling is an exciting sport to watch.

    • "*Tumbling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting sport to watch).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy tumbling on the trampoline.

    I enjoy tumbling on the trampoline.

    • "*Tumbling* on the trampoline" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*tumbling* on the trampoline).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for tumbling.

    She has a talent for tumbling.

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

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 tumble in the competition next month.

They hope to tumble on the balance beam without falling.

He wants to tumble at the gym to improve his skills.

We decided to tumble during our acrobatics routine.

They agreed to tumble together in the circus performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys tumbling in the circus show.

They recommend regular tumbling for better coordination.

I dislike the idea of tumbling on hard surfaces.

He avoids tumbling without proper safety measures.

Can you imagine yourself tumbling through the air?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to tumble on the mats. She likes tumbling on the mats.

We started to tumble in the gymnastics class. We started tumbling in the gymnastics class.

He began to tumble professionally. He began tumbling professionally.

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