Help center

To Argue vs Arguing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 argue (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to argue with you anymore.

Arguing (Gerund)

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

Example

Arguing only leads to more conflict.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To argue (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To argue is not productive in this situation.

    To argue is not productive in this situation.

    • "*To argue*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (not productive).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to argue her case in court.

    She wants me to argue her case in court.

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

    I need a valid reason to argue my point.

    I need a valid reason to argue my point.

    • "*To argue* my point" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to argue* my point).

Arguing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Arguing can strain relationships.

    Arguing can strain relationships.

    • "*Arguing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (strain relationships).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy arguing about politics with my friends.

    I enjoy arguing about politics with my friends.

    • "*Arguing* about politics with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*arguing* about politics with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for arguing persuasively.

    She has a talent for arguing persuasively.

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

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 argue her position during the debate.

They want to argue for their rights.

We decided to argue against the proposed changes.

He attempted to argue his innocence in court.

The jury determined to argue for a harsher sentence.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy arguing about sports.

He avoids arguing with his boss.

She is considering arguing her case in court.

I recommend arguing your point with evidence.

Can you imagine arguing with a robot?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to argue my perspective. I like arguing my perspective.

We started to argue about politics. We started arguing about politics.

He began to argue passionately. He began arguing passionately.

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!