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To Go vs Going 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 go (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to go to the party tonight.

Going (Gerund)

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

Example

Going for a walk is a great way to clear your mind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To go (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To go is the best option for transportation.

    To go is the best option for transportation.

    • "*To go*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best option for transportation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to go with her to the movies.

    She wants me to go with her to the movies.

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

    I need a car to go on a road trip.

    I need a car to go on a road trip.

    • "*To go* on a road trip" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a car *to go* on a road trip).

Going (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Going to the park is always fun.

    Going to the park is always fun.

    • "*Going* to the park" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always fun).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy going out with friends.

    I enjoy going out with friends.

    • "*Going* out with friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*going* out with friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of going on roller coasters.

    She has a fear of going on roller coasters.

    • "Of *going* on roller coasters" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *going* on roller coasters).

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 go hiking in the mountains next weekend.

I hope to go on vacation next month.

He wants to go shopping for new clothes.

We decided to go to the beach for our family outing.

They agreed to go to the concert together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy going to the beach during the summer.

The doctor recommends regular going for walks for better health.

I dislike the idea of going camping in the rain.

He avoids going to crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself going on a solo trip around the world?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to go to the gym every morning. She likes going to the gym every morning.

We started to go jogging in the park. We started going jogging in the park.

He began to go to yoga classes. He began going to yoga classes.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!