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To Be vs Being 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 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 successful in my career.

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 to others is important.

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 project.

    She wants me to be her partner in the project.

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

    I need a break to be productive.

    I need a break to be productive.

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

Being (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Being late is unacceptable in this company.

    Being late is unacceptable in this company.

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

    I enjoy being surrounded by nature.

    I enjoy being surrounded by nature.

    • "*Being* surrounded by nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*being* surrounded by nature).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of being judged by others.

    She has a fear of being judged by others.

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

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 chosen for the job.

We decided to be more assertive in our communication.

He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

She attempted to be the first one to finish the race.

I learned to be patient through my experiences.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys being creative in her work.

They recommend being honest in all situations.

He avoids being caught in a lie.

Can you imagine being a famous actor?

I understand the importance of being true to oneself.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to be in control of her own life. She likes being in control of her own life.

We started to be more mindful of our health. We started being more mindful of our health.

He began to be more proactive in his approach. He began being more proactive in his approach.

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