Help center

To Begin vs Beginning 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 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 my project as soon as possible.

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 the race with a sprint can give you an advantage.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To begin (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To begin is the first step in any endeavor.

    To begin is the first step in any endeavor.

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

    She wants me to begin the meeting.

    She wants me to begin the meeting.

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

    I need a fresh start to begin anew.

    I need a fresh start to begin anew.

    • "*To begin* anew" modifies the noun "start."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fresh start *to begin* anew).

Beginning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Beginning is often the hardest part of a task.

    Beginning is often the hardest part of a task.

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

    I enjoy beginning my day with a cup of coffee.

    I enjoy beginning my day with a cup of coffee.

    • "*Beginning* my day with a cup of coffee" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*beginning* my day with a cup of coffee).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for beginning new projects.

    She has a passion for beginning new projects.

    • "For *beginning* new projects" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *beginning* new projects).

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

He plans to begin his journey early in the morning.

They hope to begin their vacation next week.

She wants to begin her career in finance.

We decided to begin our business venture together.

They agreed to begin the project immediately.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys beginning his workouts with stretching.

They recommend beginning each meal with a salad.

I dislike the idea of beginning a new job.

She avoids beginning conversations about politics.

Can you imagine beginning your day without coffee?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

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

We started to begin the project yesterday. We started beginning the project yesterday.

He began to begin his speech with a joke. He began beginning his speech with a joke.

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!