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To Yell vs Yelling 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 yell (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to yell at the top of my lungs.

Yelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Yelling is not an effective way to communicate.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To yell (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To yell is not appropriate in a library.

    To yell is not appropriate in a library.

    • "*To yell*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (not appropriate).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to yell for help.

    She wants me to yell for help.

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

    He needs a megaphone to yell at the crowd.

    He needs a megaphone to yell at the crowd.

    • "*To yell* at the crowd" modifies the noun "megaphone."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a megaphone *to yell* at the crowd).

Yelling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Yelling can escalate conflicts.

    Yelling can escalate conflicts.

    • "*Yelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can escalate) + noun (conflicts).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy yelling at concerts.

    I enjoy yelling at concerts.

    • "*Yelling* at concerts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*yelling* at concerts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He apologized for yelling at his friend.

    He apologized for yelling at his friend.

    • "*Yelling* at his friend" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun (He) + verb (apologized) + preposition (for) + gerund (*yelling* at his friend).

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

We decided to yell our support for the team.

He offered to yell directions to the lost tourist.

They pretended to yell for help during the play.

I wish to yell out my frustration.

She attempted to yell the answer from across the room.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids yelling in public places.

They recommend yelling as a form of stress relief.

Can you imagine yelling at your boss?!

He doesn't mind yelling during arguments.

I understand the frustration behind yelling.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to yell when she's angry. She likes yelling when she's angry.

We started to yell in excitement. We started yelling in excitement.

He began to yell for attention. He began yelling for attention.

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