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To Behave vs Behaving 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 behave (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to behave at the party tonight.

Behaving (Gerund)

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

Example

Behaving appropriately is essential in a professional environment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To behave (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To behave is important in a classroom setting.

    To behave is important in a classroom setting.

    • "*To behave*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to behave at her wedding.

    She wants me to behave at her wedding.

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

    He needs a well-behaved dog to behave around guests.

    He needs a well-behaved dog to behave around guests.

    • "*To behave* around guests" modifies the noun "dog."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a well-behaved dog *to behave* around guests).

Behaving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Behaving responsibly is a sign of maturity.

    Behaving responsibly is a sign of maturity.

    • "*Behaving* responsibly" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of maturity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy behaving courteously towards others.

    I enjoy behaving courteously towards others.

    • "*Behaving* courteously towards others" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*behaving* courteously towards others).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for behaving professionally.

    She has a talent for behaving professionally.

    • "For *behaving* professionally" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *behaving* professionally).

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

She plans to behave during the meeting.

They hope to behave at the family gathering.

He wants to behave at the restaurant.

We decided to behave at the party.

They agreed to behave in the classroom.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys behaving politely in social situations.

They recommend behaving respectfully towards others.

I dislike the idea of behaving dishonestly.

He avoids behaving rudely in public.

Can you imagine yourself behaving confidently in a job interview?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to behave in a professional manner. She likes behaving in a professional manner.

We started to behave more responsibly. We started behaving more responsibly.

He began to behave appropriately at school. He began behaving appropriately at school.

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