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To Dance vs Dancing 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 dance (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dance at the party tonight.

Dancing (Gerund)

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

Example

Dancing brings joy and happiness.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dance (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dance is a great way to express oneself.

    To dance is a great way to express oneself.

    • "*To dance*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to express oneself).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dance with her.

    She wants me to dance with her.

    • "Me *to dance* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dance* with her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a partner to dance with.

    I need a partner to dance with.

    • "*To dance* with" modifies the noun "partner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to dance* with).

Dancing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dancing is a popular form of entertainment.

    Dancing is a popular form of entertainment.

    • "*Dancing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular form of entertainment).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dancing with my friends.

    I enjoy dancing with my friends.

    • "*Dancing* with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dancing* with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for dancing.

    She has a passion for dancing.

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

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 plan to dance all night long.

We hope to dance together at the wedding.

He wants to dance like a professional.

She decided to dance in the competition.

They agreed to dance as a group.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys dancing at parties.

They recommend regular dancing for improved fitness.

I avoid dancing in public.

Can you imagine yourself dancing on a stage?

She likes dancing to different styles of music.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to dance with you. I would like dancing with you.

They started to dance professionally. They started dancing professionally.

We began to dance as children. We began dancing as children.

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