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To Whirl vs Whirling Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 whirl (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to whirl around and around on the dance floor.

Whirling (Gerund)

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

Example

Whirling around in circles is a dizzying experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To whirl (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To whirl is a thrilling experience.

    To whirl is a thrilling experience.

    • "*To whirl*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling experience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to whirl with her in the waltz.

    She wants me to whirl with her in the waltz.

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

    I need a partner to whirl with on the dance floor.

    I need a partner to whirl with on the dance floor.

    • "*To whirl* with on the dance floor" modifies the noun "partner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to whirl* with on the dance floor).

Whirling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Whirling is a popular dance move.

    Whirling is a popular dance move.

    • "*Whirling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular dance move).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy whirling to the rhythm of the music.

    I enjoy whirling to the rhythm of the music.

    • "*Whirling* to the rhythm of the music" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*whirling* to the rhythm of the music).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for whirling effortlessly.

    She has a talent for whirling effortlessly.

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

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

She plans to whirl in the competition next month.

They hope to whirl gracefully during their performance.

He wants to whirl faster than anyone else.

We decided to whirl to the upbeat music.

They agreed to whirl together in perfect synchronization.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys whirling at the dance studio every evening.

They recommend practicing whirling for better balance.

I dislike the feeling of whirling too fast.

He avoids whirling in crowded spaces.

Can you imagine yourself whirling in a ballroom competition?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to whirl to the rhythm of the music. She likes whirling to the rhythm of the music.

We started to whirl in the beginner's class. We started whirling in the beginner's class.

He began to whirl with confidence. He began whirling with confidence.

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