To Wander vs Wandering 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 wander (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to wander through the streets of Paris.

Wandering (Gerund)

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

Example

Wandering is a great way to explore new places.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wander (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To wander aimlessly is a great way to clear your mind.

  To wander aimlessly is a great way to clear your mind.

  • "*To wander* aimlessly" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to clear your mind).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to wander with her in the park.

  She wants me to wander with her in the park.

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

  I need comfortable shoes to wander all day.

  I need comfortable shoes to wander all day.

  • "Comfortable shoes *to wander* all day" modifies the noun "shoes."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to wander* all day).

Wandering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Wandering through the museum is a popular activity for tourists.

  Wandering through the museum is a popular activity for tourists.

  • "*Wandering* through the museum" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity for tourists).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy wandering in nature.

  I enjoy wandering in nature.

  • "*Wandering* in nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wandering* in nature).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for wandering in old towns.

  She has a passion for wandering in old towns.

  • "For *wandering* in old towns" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *wandering* in old towns).

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 wander around the city tomorrow.

They hope to wander through the forest during their hike.

He wants to wander in the countryside.

We decided to wander along the beach this weekend.

They agreed to wander through the market together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys wandering through art galleries.

They recommend regular wandering in nature for better mental health.

I dislike the idea of wandering in unfamiliar places.

He avoids wandering in dangerous neighborhoods.

Can you imagine yourself wandering through ancient ruins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to wander in the park. She likes wandering in the park.

We started to wander around the city. We started wandering around the city.

He began to wander through the forest. He began wandering through the forest.