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 on the decision before making a final choice.

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 leads to confusion and indecision.

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 options before deciding.

  She wants me to waffle on the options before deciding.

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

  I need a clear mind to waffle less.

  I need a clear mind to waffle less.

  • "*To waffle* less" modifies the noun "mind."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear mind *to waffle* less).

Waffling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Waffling is a sign of uncertainty.

  Waffling is a sign of uncertainty.

  • "*Waffling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of uncertainty).
• 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 habit of waffling on important decisions.

  She has a habit of waffling on important decisions.

  • "Of *waffling* on important decisions" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *waffling* on important decisions).

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 waffle on the decision for a few more days.

They hope to waffle on the matter before reaching a conclusion.

He wants to waffle on the options to consider all possibilities.

We decided to waffle on the issue to gather more information.

They agreed to waffle on the proposal until the next meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys waffling about various topics with her friends.

They recommend avoiding waffling when making important choices.

I dislike the act of waffling and prefer decisive actions.

He avoids waffling by setting clear goals and priorities.

Can you imagine yourself waffling in front of a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to waffle between different options. She likes waffling between different options.

We started to waffle on the decision after receiving conflicting advice. We started waffling on the decision after receiving conflicting advice.

He began to waffle when faced with multiple choices. He began waffling when faced with multiple choices.