To Whistle vs Whistling 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 whistle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to whistle a happy tune.

Whistling (Gerund)

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

Example

Whistling can be a form of self-expression.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To whistle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To whistle is a common talent among musicians.

  To whistle is a common talent among musicians.

  • "*To whistle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common talent among musicians).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to whistle a catchy melody.

  She wants me to whistle a catchy melody.

  • "Me *to whistle* a catchy melody" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to whistle* a catchy melody).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a coach to whistle during our soccer practice.

  I need a coach to whistle during our soccer practice.

  • "*To whistle* during our soccer practice" modifies the noun "coach."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a coach *to whistle* during our soccer practice).

Whistling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Whistling in public places is considered impolite.

  Whistling in public places is considered impolite.

  • "*Whistling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (considered impolite).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy whistling while I work.

  I enjoy whistling while I work.

  • "*Whistling* while I work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*whistling* while I work).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for whistling catchy tunes.

  She has a passion for whistling catchy tunes.

  • "For *whistling* catchy tunes" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *whistling* catchy tunes).

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

He plans to whistle a cheerful tune at the concert.

They hope to whistle in harmony during the performance.

I want to whistle a song that everyone will recognize.

We decided to whistle a lullaby for the baby.

They agreed to whistle a tune together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys whistling along to his favorite songs.

They recommend whistling as a stress-relief technique.

She dislikes the sound of whistling in quiet places.

I avoid whistling when others are trying to concentrate.

Can you imagine yourself whistling a beautiful melody?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to whistle while they walk. They like whistling while they walk.

He started to whistle in his early childhood. He started whistling in his early childhood.

We began to whistle a catchy tune. We began whistling a catchy tune.