To Ask vs Asking Infinitives & Gerunds

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 a question during the meeting.

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 help is a sign of strength.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ask (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To ask is a basic communication skill.

  To ask is a basic communication skill.

  • "*To ask*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic communication skill).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to ask her for help.

  She wants me to ask her for help.

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

  I need a pen to ask for autographs.

  I need a pen to ask for autographs.

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

Asking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Asking is an important part of effective communication.

  Asking is an important part of effective communication.

  • "*Asking*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important part of effective communication).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy asking thought-provoking questions.

  I enjoy asking thought-provoking questions.

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

  She has a talent for asking insightful questions.

  She has a talent for asking insightful questions.

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

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

• hope
• plan
• refuse
• decide
• wish

Example

They hope to ask insightful questions during the interview.

She plans to ask for a raise at work.

He refused to ask for help even when he needed it.

We decided to ask for directions when we got lost.

I wish to ask for clarification on this matter.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids asking personal questions during interviews.

They recommend asking for feedback to improve performance.

I am considering asking for a promotion at work.

Do you mind asking the teacher for clarification?

Can you imagine asking for help in front of a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to ask challenging questions. She likes asking challenging questions.

We started to ask for donations. We started asking for donations.

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