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To Whisper vs Whispering 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 whisper (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to whisper my secret in your ear.

Whispering (Gerund)

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

Example

Whispering can create an air of mystery.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To whisper (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To whisper is considered a sign of intimacy.

    To whisper is considered a sign of intimacy.

    • "*To whisper*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (considered a sign of intimacy).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to whisper the message to her.

    She wants me to whisper the message to her.

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

    I need a quiet place to whisper my thoughts.

    I need a quiet place to whisper my thoughts.

    • "*To whisper* my thoughts" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to whisper* my thoughts).

Whispering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Whispering is commonly associated with secrecy.

    Whispering is commonly associated with secrecy.

    • "*Whispering*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (commonly associated with secrecy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

    I enjoy whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

    • "*Whispering* sweet nothings in her ear" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*whispering* sweet nothings in her ear).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for whispering soothing words.

    She has a talent for whispering soothing words.

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

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

They decided to whisper their plan in hushed voices.

I hope to whisper the answer in your ear later.

He refused to whisper any more secrets to her.

We chose to whisper our conversation in private.

She learned to whisper her lines for the play.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids whispering in public places.

They recommend whispering during meditation for focus.

I am considering whispering my wishes to the wind.

Can you imagine whispering secrets in a crowded room?

Do you mind whispering your request instead of speaking out loud?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to whisper softly in his ear. She likes whispering softly in his ear.

We started to whisper conspiratorially. We started whispering conspiratorially.

He began to whisper the secret to her. He began whispering the secret to her.

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