Help center

To Tune vs Tuning 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 tune (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to tune my guitar before the performance.

Tuning (Gerund)

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

Example

Tuning musical instruments can be a challenging task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To tune (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To tune a guitar requires practice and patience.

    To tune a guitar requires practice and patience.

    • "*To tune* a guitar" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (practice and patience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to tune her piano.

    She wants me to tune her piano.

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

    I need a tuner to tune my instrument.

    I need a tuner to tune my instrument.

    • "*To tune* my instrument" modifies the noun "tuner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tuner *to tune* my instrument).

Tuning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Tuning a piano requires a trained ear.

    Tuning a piano requires a trained ear.

    • "*Tuning* a piano" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a trained ear).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy tuning guitars for my friends.

    I enjoy tuning guitars for my friends.

    • "*Tuning* guitars for my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*tuning* guitars for my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for tuning pianos.

    He has a talent for tuning pianos.

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

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

He plans to tune his guitar for the concert tomorrow.

They hope to tune their instruments before the recording session.

She wants to tune her violin perfectly.

We decided to tune the piano ourselves.

They agreed to tune the guitars together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys tuning violins in her spare time.

They recommend regular tuning for better sound quality.

I dislike the process of tuning string instruments.

He avoids tuning his guitar by himself.

Can you imagine yourself tuning a grand piano?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to tune her guitar before playing. She likes tuning her guitar before playing.

We started to tune our instruments together. We started tuning our instruments together.

He began to tune the piano keys carefully. He began tuning the piano keys carefully.

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!