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To Beg vs Begging 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 beg (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to beg for forgiveness.

Begging (Gerund)

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

Example

Begging is not a sustainable solution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To beg (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To beg is considered a desperate act.

    To beg is considered a desperate act.

    • "*To beg*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (considered a desperate act).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to beg her to stay.

    She wants me to beg her to stay.

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

    I need money to beg on the streets.

    I need money to beg on the streets.

    • "*To beg* on the streets" modifies the noun "money."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (money *to beg* on the streets).

Begging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Begging is illegal in many countries.

    Begging is illegal in many countries.

    • "*Begging*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (illegal in many countries).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy begging for donations.

    I enjoy begging for donations.

    • "*Begging* for donations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*begging* for donations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of begging on the streets.

    She has a fear of begging on the streets.

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

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 beg for mercy in court.

He refused to beg for help.

She attempted to beg for a second chance.

They pretended to beg for food.

I wish to beg for forgiveness.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids begging for money on the streets.

They recommend against begging as a means of survival.

Many people consider begging to be a sign of desperation.

Can you imagine yourself begging for food?

Let's discuss the issue of begging in our community.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to beg for attention. She likes begging for attention.

We started to beg for forgiveness. We started begging for forgiveness.

He began to beg for money. He began begging for money.

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