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To Boss vs Bossing 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 boss (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to boss people around, I prefer collaboration.

Bossing (Gerund)

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

Example

Bossing others is not an effective way to lead.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To boss (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To boss is not a good leadership style.

    To boss is not a good leadership style.

    • "*To boss*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a good leadership style).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to boss the team.

    She wants me to boss the team.

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

    I need a leader to boss the team effectively.

    I need a leader to boss the team effectively.

    • "*To boss* the team effectively" modifies the noun "leader."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a leader *to boss* the team effectively).

Bossing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Bossing is not a desirable leadership trait.

    Bossing is not a desirable leadership trait.

    • "*Bossing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a desirable leadership trait).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy bossing my subordinates.

    I enjoy bossing my subordinates.

    • "*Bossing* my subordinates" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*bossing* my subordinates).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for bossing people around.

    She has a talent for bossing people around.

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

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 boss everyone around in the office.

They hope to boss their own team one day.

He wants to boss the project from start to finish.

We decided to boss the new interns during the summer.

They agreed to boss the team together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys bossing her team members to get things done.

They recommend avoiding excessive bossing for a healthy work environment.

I dislike the practice of constant bossing in the workplace.

He avoids unnecessary bossing of his colleagues.

Can you imagine yourself bossing a large team of employees?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to boss her subordinates around. She likes bossing her subordinates around.

We started to boss our team members more assertively. We started bossing our team members more assertively.

He began to boss his employees with more authority. He began bossing his employees with more authority.

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