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To Benefit vs Benefitting 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 benefit (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to benefit from this opportunity.

Benefitting (Gerund)

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

Example

Benefitting others brings satisfaction.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To benefit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To benefit is important for personal growth.

    To benefit is important for personal growth.

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

    She wants me to benefit from her knowledge.

    She wants me to benefit from her knowledge.

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

    We need a plan to benefit everyone.

    We need a plan to benefit everyone.

    • "*To benefit* everyone" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to benefit* everyone).

Benefitting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Benefitting the community is our goal.

    Benefitting the community is our goal.

    • "*Benefitting* the community" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our goal).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy benefitting those in need.

    I enjoy benefitting those in need.

    • "*Benefitting* those in need" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*benefitting* those in need).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for benefitting others.

    She has a passion for benefitting others.

    • "For *benefitting* others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *benefitting* 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 plan to benefit from the new marketing strategy.

I hope to benefit from the training program.

He wants to benefit from the mentorship program.

She decided to benefit from the scholarship opportunity.

We agreed to benefit from the partnership agreement.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes benefitting his teammates on the field.

They started benefitting the community through volunteering.

She began benefitting from the charity's programs.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I want to benefit from your expertise. I appreciate your help in benefitting others.

We support initiatives to benefit the environment. They actively support projects benefitting underprivileged children.

He encourages students to benefit from educational opportunities. She encourages participation in activities benefitting the local community.

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