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To Have vs Having 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 have (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to have a cup of coffee.

Having (Gerund)

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

Example

Having breakfast is important for a healthy start to the day.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To have (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To have a pet is a big responsibility.

    To have a pet is a big responsibility.

    • "*To have* a pet" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a big responsibility).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to have dinner with her.

    She wants me to have dinner with her.

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

    I need a pen to have in my bag.

    I need a pen to have in my bag.

    • "*To have* in my bag" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to have* in my bag).

Having (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Having a good attitude is key to success.

    Having a good attitude is key to success.

    • "*Having* a good attitude" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (key to success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy having a picnic in the park.

    I enjoy having a picnic in the park.

    • "*Having* a picnic in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*having* a picnic in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for having adventures.

    She has a passion for having adventures.

    • "For *having* adventures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *having* adventures).

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 have a party next week.

They hope to have a successful business.

He wants to have a vacation in Hawaii.

We decided to have pizza for dinner.

They agreed to have a meeting tomorrow.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys having a good book to read.

They recommend having a balanced diet for good health.

I dislike the idea of having to work overtime.

He avoids having conflicts with his colleagues.

Can you imagine having unlimited resources?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to have a cup of tea in the morning. She likes having a cup of tea in the morning.

We started to have weekly meetings. We started having weekly meetings.

He began to have a new job. He began having a new job.

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