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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 can be seen as a sign of frustration.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To yell (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To yell is not a productive way to communicate.

    To yell is not a productive way to communicate.

    • "*To yell*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a productive way to communicate).
  • 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

    I need a microphone to yell into.

    I need a microphone to yell into.

    • "*To yell* into" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a microphone *to yell* into).

Yelling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Yelling is not an effective communication strategy.

    Yelling is not an effective communication strategy.

    • "*Yelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not an effective communication strategy).
  • 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

    She has a headache from yelling too much.

    She has a headache from yelling too much.

    • "From *yelling* too much" is the object of the preposition "from."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a headache from *yelling* too much).

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

He plans to yell in excitement when he wins.

They hope to yell their favorite team's name at the game.

She wants to yell her opinion during the meeting.

We decided to yell for joy when we heard the news.

They agreed to yell in unison during the performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys yelling in excitement at sporting events.

They recommend avoiding excessive yelling for vocal health.

I dislike the sound of loud yelling.

She avoids yelling during arguments.

Can you imagine someone yelling in a library?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to yell when I'm angry. I like yelling when I'm angry.

They started to yell at each other. They started yelling at each other.

We began to yell for help. We began yelling for help.

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