To Base vs Basing 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 base (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to base my decision on solid evidence.

Basing (Gerund)

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

Example

Basing your decision on facts is crucial.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To base (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To base your argument on facts is essential in a debate.

  To base your argument on facts is essential in a debate.

  • "*To base* your argument on facts" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential in a debate).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to base my research on reliable sources.

  She wants me to base my research on reliable sources.

  • "Me *to base* my research on reliable sources" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to base* my research on reliable sources).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong foundation to base my project on.

  I need a strong foundation to base my project on.

  • "*To base* my project on" modifies the noun "foundation."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong foundation *to base* my project on).

Basing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Basing your argument on solid evidence strengthens your position.

  Basing your argument on solid evidence strengthens your position.

  • "*Basing* your argument on solid evidence" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (strengthens) + noun phrase (your position).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy basing my opinions on thorough research.

  I enjoy basing my opinions on thorough research.

  • "*Basing* my opinions on thorough research" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*basing* my opinions on thorough research).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for basing her decisions on logical reasoning.

  She has a passion for basing her decisions on logical reasoning.

  • "For *basing* her decisions on logical reasoning" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *basing* her decisions on logical reasoning).

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

• decide
• plan
• hope
• want
• attempt

Example

We decided to base our decision on the data we collected.

She plans to base her argument on historical evidence.

They hope to base their conclusion on scientific research.

He wants to base his theory on empirical evidence.

We attempted to base our analysis on objective criteria.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• delay
• deny

Example

They consider basing their strategy on market trends.

Experts recommend basing your decisions on accurate information.

I avoid basing my judgments on assumptions.

We delayed basing our plan on further research.

He denies basing his argument on biased sources.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to base her analysis on real-world examples. She likes basing her analysis on real-world examples.

We started to base our project on customer feedback. We started basing our project on customer feedback.

He began to base his decisions on statistical data. He began basing his decisions on statistical data.