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To Bike vs Biking 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 bike (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to bike to work instead of driving.

Biking (Gerund)

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

Example

Biking is an eco-friendly mode of transportation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To bike (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To bike is a great way to stay fit and active.

    To bike is a great way to stay fit and active.

    • "*To bike*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to stay fit and active).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to bike with her on the trail.

    She wants me to bike with her on the trail.

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

    I need a sturdy bike to bike long distances.

    I need a sturdy bike to bike long distances.

    • "*To bike* long distances" modifies the noun "bike."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy bike *to bike* long distances).

Biking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Biking is a popular hobby among many people.

    Biking is a popular hobby among many people.

    • "*Biking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular hobby among many people).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy biking in the countryside.

    I enjoy biking in the countryside.

    • "*Biking* in the countryside" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*biking* in the countryside).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for biking.

    She has a passion for biking.

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

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 bike across the country next summer.

They hope to bike in the mountains during their vacation.

She wants to bike in the countryside.

We decided to bike to the park this weekend.

They agreed to bike together for exercise.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys biking through scenic routes.

They recommend regular biking for cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of biking in heavy traffic.

She avoids biking in dangerous areas.

Can you imagine yourself biking across the country?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to bike in the park. He likes biking in the park.

We started to bike to work. We started biking to work.

She began to bike competitively. She began biking competitively.

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