To Waffle vs Waffling 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 waffle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to waffle about my decision before committing.

Waffling (Gerund)

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

Example

Waffling only delays the decision-making process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To waffle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To waffle is not a productive use of time.

  To waffle is not a productive use of time.

  • "*To waffle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a productive use of time).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to waffle on the issue.

  She wants me to waffle on the issue.

  • "Me *to waffle* on the issue" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to waffle* on the issue).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a few more minutes to waffle before making a decision.

  I need a few more minutes to waffle before making a decision.

  • "*To waffle* before making a decision" modifies the noun "minutes."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a few more minutes *to waffle* before making a decision).

Waffling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Waffling can be seen as indecisiveness.

  Waffling can be seen as indecisiveness.

  • "*Waffling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be seen as) + noun phrase (indecisiveness).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy waffling between different options.

  I enjoy waffling between different options.

  • "*Waffling* between different options" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*waffling* between different options).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for waffling in discussions.

  She has a talent for waffling in discussions.

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

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

• decide
• pretend
• refuse
• attempt
• struggle

Example

We decided to waffle on the proposal before giving our final answer.

He pretended to waffle about joining the club, but he had already made up his mind.

They refused to waffle on their stance and stuck to their principles.

She attempted to waffle through her presentation, but it was clear she didn't know the topic well.

I struggle to waffle when it comes to making important decisions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• postpone

Example

He avoids waffling by making quick decisions.

They consider waffling as a sign of weakness.

I recommend avoiding waffling and being decisive in your actions.

Do you mind waffling between different options?

She postponed waffling on the matter until she had more information.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to waffle before making important choices. I like waffling between different possibilities.

He started to waffle when faced with difficult decisions. He started waffling about his future plans.

We began to waffle about the best course of action. We began waffling on whether to proceed or not.