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To Ask vs Asking 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 ask (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ask him about his plans.

Asking (Gerund)

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

Example

Asking for directions is a common practice.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ask (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ask is the best way to get information.

    To ask is the best way to get information.

    • "*To ask*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best way to get information).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ask a question.

    She wants me to ask a question.

    • "Me *to ask* a question" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to ask* a question).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pen to ask for an autograph.

    I need a pen to ask for an autograph.

    • "*To ask* for an autograph" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to ask* for an autograph).

Asking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Asking is a valuable skill in any profession.

    Asking is a valuable skill in any profession.

    • "*Asking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill in any profession).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy asking questions during class.

    I enjoy asking questions during class.

    • "*Asking* questions during class" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*asking* questions during class).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of asking for help.

    She has a fear of asking for help.

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

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 hope to ask for permission to leave early.

He wants to ask her out on a date.

We decided to ask for a raise at work.

She chose to ask for help with the project.

I learned to ask for assistance when needed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend asking for clarification if you don't understand.

He avoids asking personal questions.

Can you imagine asking for a promotion?

We are considering asking for volunteers.

Do you mind asking for directions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ask insightful questions. She likes asking insightful questions.

We started to ask for feedback. We started asking for feedback.

He began to ask for advice. He began asking for advice.

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