To Unslung vs Unslung 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 unslung (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to unslung my backpack and relax.

Unslung (Gerund)

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

Example

Unslung backpacks create a sense of freedom.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unslung (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To unslung your backpack is a quick and easy task.

  To unslung your backpack is a quick and easy task.

  • "*To unslung* your backpack" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a quick and easy task).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to unslung her bag.

  She wants me to unslung her bag.

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

  I need a table to unslung my backpack.

  I need a table to unslung my backpack.

  • "*To unslung* my backpack" modifies the noun "table."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a table *to unslung* my backpack).

Unslung (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Unslung backpacks are easier to carry.

  Unslung backpacks are easier to carry.

  • "*Unslung* backpacks" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (are) + noun phrase (easier to carry).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy unslung bags during my travels.

  I enjoy unslung bags during my travels.

  • "*Unslung* bags" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*unslung* bags).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a preference for unslung backpacks.

  She has a preference for unslung backpacks.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to unslung her backpack before starting the hike.

They hope to unslung their bags and rest at the campsite.

He wants to unslung his luggage and relax at the hotel.

We decided to unslung our backpacks and have a picnic.

They agreed to unslung their bags and explore the city.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys unslung bags while traveling.

They recommend using unslung backpacks for better mobility.

I dislike the feeling of unslung bags on my shoulders.

He avoids using unslung backpacks for long hikes.

Can you imagine yourself with an unslung backpack on a mountain trail?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to unslung her bag and relax. She likes unslung bags for easy access.

We started to unslung our backpacks at the campsite. We started unslung backpacks for a more comfortable hike.

He began to unslung his bag and enjoy the view. He began unslung bags for better balance during the trek.