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To Yearn vs Yearning 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 yearn (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to yearn for adventure and new experiences.

Yearning (Gerund)

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

Example

Yearning for love is a common human experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To yearn (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To yearn is a natural human emotion.

    To yearn is a natural human emotion.

    • "*To yearn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural human emotion).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to yearn for success.

    She wants me to yearn for success.

    • "Me *to yearn* for success" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to yearn* for success).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a purpose to yearn for something greater.

    I need a purpose to yearn for something greater.

    • "*To yearn* for something greater" modifies the noun "purpose."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a purpose *to yearn* for something greater).

Yearning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Yearning for success drives many individuals.

    Yearning for success drives many individuals.

    • "*Yearning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (drives) + noun phrase (many individuals).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy yearning for new adventures.

    I enjoy yearning for new adventures.

    • "*Yearning* for new adventures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*yearning* for new adventures).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for yearning for knowledge.

    She has a passion for yearning for knowledge.

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

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 hope to yearn for a meaningful connection with others.

He wants to yearn for a life full of passion and purpose.

She plans to yearn for knowledge and self-improvement.

I struggle to yearn for a sense of belonging and acceptance.

We decided to yearn for personal growth and fulfillment.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys yearning for creative expression through art.

They recommend embracing yearning for personal growth and self-discovery.

I consider yearning for understanding as a fundamental part of being human.

He avoids yearning for material possessions and focuses on inner peace.

Can you imagine yourself yearning for a sense of belonging and connection?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to yearn for new challenges. She likes yearning for new challenges.

We started to yearn for a deeper meaning in life. We started yearning for a deeper meaning in life.

He began to yearn for a sense of purpose. He began yearning for a sense of purpose.

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