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To Arrange vs Arranging 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 arrange (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to arrange a meeting with the client.

Arranging (Gerund)

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

Example

Arranging the furniture can be a fun and creative task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To arrange (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To arrange a party requires careful planning and organization.

    To arrange a party requires careful planning and organization.

    • "*To arrange* a party" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and organization).
  • 2Object

    She asked him to arrange the furniture in the living room.

    She asked him to arrange the furniture in the living room.

    • "Him *to arrange* the furniture in the living room" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to arrange* the furniture in the living room).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a table to arrange my books.

    I need a table to arrange my books.

    • "*To arrange* my books" modifies the noun "table."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a table *to arrange* my books).

Arranging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Arranging flowers is her favorite hobby.

    Arranging flowers is her favorite hobby.

    • "*Arranging* flowers" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her favorite hobby).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy arranging the artwork in my house.

    I enjoy arranging the artwork in my house.

    • "*Arranging* the artwork in my house" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*arranging* the artwork in my house).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for arranging events.

    He has a talent for arranging events.

    • "For *arranging* events" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *arranging* events).

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 arrange a surprise party for their friend's birthday.

He hopes to arrange a meeting with the CEO.

We want you to arrange the decorations for the event.

She decided to arrange a family gathering on the weekend.

They agreed to arrange a conference call to discuss the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys arranging the furniture in her new apartment.

They recommend hiring a professional for arranging the wedding decorations.

I dislike the process of arranging my schedule every day.

He avoids arranging his workspace in a cluttered manner.

Can you imagine yourself arranging a gallery exhibition?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to arrange her books alphabetically on the shelf. She likes arranging flowers in her garden.

We started to arrange the furniture in the new office space. We started arranging the seating arrangement for the event.

He began to arrange the documents in chronological order. He began arranging the ingredients for the recipe.

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