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To Appear vs Appearing 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 appear (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to appear confident in front of the audience.

Appearing (Gerund)

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

Example

Appearing on TV can boost your career.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To appear (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To appear on stage is his dream.

    To appear on stage is his dream.

    • "*To appear*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his dream).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to appear in the movie.

    She wants me to appear in the movie.

    • "Me *to appear* in the movie" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to appear* in the movie).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a new outfit to appear professional.

    I need a new outfit to appear professional.

    • "*To appear* professional" modifies the noun "outfit."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new outfit *to appear* professional).

Appearing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Appearing in movies is his passion.

    Appearing in movies is his passion.

    • "*Appearing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his passion).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy appearing in plays.

    I enjoy appearing in plays.

    • "*Appearing* in plays" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*appearing* in plays).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of appearing foolish.

    She has a fear of appearing foolish.

    • "Of *appearing* foolish" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *appearing* foolish).

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 decided to appear in the talent show.

They hope to appear on the cover of a magazine.

She wishes to appear taller.

I want to appear confident during the interview.

We plan to appear at the event next week.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys appearing in commercials.

They recommend regular appearing in public speaking events.

She avoids appearing unprepared in meetings.

I am considering appearing on a reality show.

Do you mind appearing in the group photo?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to appear confident in front of others. She likes appearing confident in front of others.

We started to appear in local theater productions. We started appearing in local theater productions.

He began to appear more frequently on TV. He began appearing more frequently on TV.

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