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To Achieve vs Achieving 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 achieve (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to achieve my goals in life.

Achieving (Gerund)

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

Example

Achieving your dreams requires determination.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To achieve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To achieve success requires hard work and dedication.

    To achieve success requires hard work and dedication.

    • "*To achieve* success" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and dedication).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to achieve my dreams.

    She wants me to achieve my dreams.

    • "Me *to achieve* my dreams" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to achieve* my dreams).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a plan to achieve my goals.

    I need a plan to achieve my goals.

    • "*To achieve* my goals" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to achieve* my goals).

Achieving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Achieving success takes time and effort.

    Achieving success takes time and effort.

    • "*Achieving* success" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (time and effort).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy achieving my goals.

    I enjoy achieving my goals.

    • "*Achieving* my goals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*achieving* my goals).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for achieving greatness.

    She has a passion for achieving greatness.

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

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

She plans to achieve her targets this year.

They hope to achieve their desired outcomes.

He wants to achieve success in his career.

We decided to achieve our objectives by working together.

They agreed to achieve their shared goals.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys achieving personal growth.

They recommend setting clear goals for achieving success.

I dislike the feeling of not achieving my targets.

He avoids achieving mediocrity in his work.

Can you imagine yourself achieving your wildest dreams?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to achieve her ambitions. She likes achieving her ambitions.

We started to achieve our goals. We started achieving our goals.

He began to achieve success in his field. He began achieving success in his field.

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