To Begin vs Beginning 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 begin (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to begin learning a new language.

Beginning (Gerund)

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

Example

Beginning a new project can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To begin (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To begin is the first step in achieving success.

  To begin is the first step in achieving success.

  • "*To begin*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step in achieving success).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to begin the project immediately.

  She wants me to begin the project immediately.

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

  We need a pen to begin writing.

  We need a pen to begin writing.

  • "*To begin* writing" modifies the noun "pen."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to begin* writing).

Beginning (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Beginning is often the hardest part of any task.

  Beginning is often the hardest part of any task.

  • "*Beginning*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (often the hardest part of any task).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy beginning a new adventure.

  I enjoy beginning a new adventure.

  • "*Beginning* a new adventure" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*beginning* a new adventure).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of beginning something new.

  She has a fear of beginning something new.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to begin the renovation next month.

He hopes to begin his new job soon.

She wants to begin a new chapter in her life.

We decided to begin our journey early in the morning.

They agreed to begin the meeting at 9 am.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid

Example

I like beginning my day with a cup of coffee.

They started beginning their training program last week.

He recommends beginning the day with a healthy breakfast.

She dislikes beginning meetings without a clear agenda.

We avoid beginning projects without proper planning.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to begin my day with meditation. I like beginning my day with meditation.

They started to begin a new business venture. They started beginning a new business venture.

He began to begin his research. He began beginning his research.