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To Arrive vs Arriving 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 arrive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to arrive at the party on time.

Arriving (Gerund)

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

Example

Arriving late is not acceptable.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To arrive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To arrive early is always a good idea.

    To arrive early is always a good idea.

    • "*To arrive* early" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adverb phrase (always a good idea).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to arrive with her.

    She wants me to arrive with her.

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

    I need a car to arrive on time.

    I need a car to arrive on time.

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

Arriving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Arriving early shows dedication.

    Arriving early shows dedication.

    • "*Arriving* early" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (shows) + noun (dedication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy arriving at new destinations.

    I enjoy arriving at new destinations.

    • "*Arriving* at new destinations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*arriving* at new destinations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of arriving late.

    She has a fear of arriving late.

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

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 arrive at the airport tomorrow.

They hope to arrive before the concert starts.

He wants to arrive early for the meeting.

We decided to arrive by train instead of driving.

They agreed to arrive together at the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys arriving at the airport early.

They recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show starts.

I dislike arriving in rush hour traffic.

He avoids arriving at crowded places.

Can you imagine arriving at your dream destination?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to arrive at the party fashionably late. She likes arriving at the party fashionably late.

We started to arrive at work earlier. We started arriving at work earlier.

He began to arrive at the gym every morning. He began arriving at the gym every morning.

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