Help center

To Be vs Being Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 be (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to be a successful entrepreneur.

Being (Gerund)

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

Example

Being kind is important in today's world.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To be (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    • "*To be*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the question).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to be her partner in the business.

    She wants me to be her partner in the business.

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

    I need a mentor to be successful.

    I need a mentor to be successful.

    • "*To be* successful" modifies the noun "mentor."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mentor *to be* successful).

Being (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Being late is unacceptable.

    Being late is unacceptable.

    • "*Being* late" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (unacceptable).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy being around positive people.

    I enjoy being around positive people.

    • "*Being* around positive people" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*being* around positive people).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of being judged.

    She has a fear of being judged.

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

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 be invited to the party.

She plans to be a doctor in the future.

He wants to be a professional athlete.

We decided to be more environmentally friendly.

They agreed to be part of the team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes being alone in nature.

We started being more mindful of our actions.

He began being more assertive in his communication.

He avoids being in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself being a famous actor?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to be independent. She likes being independent.

We started to be more organized. We started being more organized.

He began to be more patient. He began being more patient.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!