[Grammar] Still, some questions about the infinitive used as the subject.

[roseriver1012]

1. To be cycling in a sandstorm is frightening. To cycle in a sandstorm is frightening.

What's the difference between the above two sentences in meaning?

2. To have been caught in a sandstorm was a terrible experience.

Having been caught in a sandstorm was a terrible experience.

Is there a difference between those two sentences in meaning?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Raymott]

1. To be cycling in a sandstorm is frightening. To cycle in a sandstorm is frightening.

What's the difference between the above two sentences in meaning?

Neither is natural, We'd say, "Cycling in a sandstorm is frightening." But there's no difference.

2. To have been caught in a sandstorm was a terrible experience.

Having been caught in a sandstorm was a terrible experience.

Is there a difference between those two sentences in meaning?
They are both wrong, unless you have an odd meaning.
I think you mean "Being caught in a sandstorm was a terrible experience."

Thanks for your help!

If you mean the fact of having been caught in a sandstorm at some time in your life was, at some time afterwards, a terrible experience, then your sentences are right.
Compare: "Having been to Paris was a joyous experience". This doesn't mean you felt joy in Paris (though you probably did); it means you felt joy afterwards because of having been there.