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To Ascend vs Ascending 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 ascend (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ascend to the top of the mountain.

Ascending (Gerund)

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

Example

Ascending requires focus and endurance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ascend (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ascend requires a lot of strength and determination.

    To ascend requires a lot of strength and determination.

    • "*To ascend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a lot of strength and determination).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ascend with her.

    She wants me to ascend with her.

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

    I need a sturdy ladder to ascend the tree.

    I need a sturdy ladder to ascend the tree.

    • "*To ascend* the tree" modifies the noun "ladder."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy ladder *to ascend* the tree).

Ascending (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Ascending is a challenging activity.

    Ascending is a challenging activity.

    • "*Ascending*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging activity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy ascending steep trails.

    I enjoy ascending steep trails.

    • "*Ascending* steep trails" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*ascending* steep trails).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of ascending tall buildings.

    She has a fear of ascending tall buildings.

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

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 ascend Mount Everest next year.

They hope to ascend to the summit before sunset.

He wants to ascend the stairs without assistance.

We decided to ascend the mountain from the northern route.

They agreed to ascend together for safety.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys ascending mountains in her free time.

They recommend ascending slowly to avoid altitude sickness.

I dislike the feeling of ascending in an elevator.

He avoids ascending steep slopes due to his knee injury.

Can you imagine yourself ascending a rock wall?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ascend tall buildings. She likes ascending tall buildings.

We started to ascend the mountain at sunrise. We started ascending the mountain at sunrise.

He began to ascend the staircase cautiously. He began ascending the staircase cautiously.

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