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To Brake vs Braking 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 brake (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to brake before the stop sign to avoid an accident.

Braking (Gerund)

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

Example

Braking at high speeds can be dangerous.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To brake (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To brake requires good reflexes.

    To brake requires good reflexes.

    • "*To brake*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (good reflexes).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to brake slowly in the rain.

    He wants me to brake slowly in the rain.

    • "Me *to brake* slowly in the rain" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to brake* slowly in the rain).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    She needs a new set of brakes to brake effectively.

    She needs a new set of brakes to brake effectively.

    • "*To brake* effectively" modifies the noun "set of brakes."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a new set of brakes *to brake* effectively).

Braking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Braking requires coordination between the feet and hands.

    Braking requires coordination between the feet and hands.

    • "*Braking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (coordination between the feet and hands).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy braking hard during a race.

    I enjoy braking hard during a race.

    • "*Braking* hard during a race" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*braking* hard during a race).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of braking suddenly.

    He has a fear of braking suddenly.

    • "Of *braking* suddenly" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *braking* suddenly).

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

We decided to brake suddenly to avoid the collision.

They hope to brake smoothly on the icy road.

He wants to brake gently to preserve the tires.

She attempted to brake quickly but lost control of the car.

They chose to brake early to give themselves more time to react.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids braking abruptly to prevent skidding.

They recommend practicing defensive braking techniques.

I am considering braking earlier for better fuel efficiency.

He postponed braking until the last moment.

Do you mind me braking suddenly?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to brake smoothly in traffic. I like braking smoothly in traffic.

We started to brake more cautiously after the accident. We started braking more cautiously after the accident.

He began to brake earlier to avoid rear-end collisions. He began braking earlier to avoid rear-end collisions.

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