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To Broadcast vs Broadcasting 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 broadcast (Infinitive)

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

Example

They want to broadcast the event live on television.

Broadcasting (Gerund)

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

Example

Broadcasting the event live on television is their goal.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To broadcast (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To broadcast the news is their primary responsibility.

    To broadcast the news is their primary responsibility.

    • "*To broadcast* the news" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (their primary responsibility).
  • 2Object

    She expects him to broadcast the announcement.

    She expects him to broadcast the announcement.

    • "Him *to broadcast* the announcement" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (him *to broadcast* the announcement).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a platform to broadcast our podcast.

    We need a platform to broadcast our podcast.

    • "*To broadcast* our podcast" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to broadcast* our podcast).

Broadcasting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Broadcasting the news requires accuracy and timeliness.

    Broadcasting the news requires accuracy and timeliness.

    • "*Broadcasting* the news" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (accuracy and timeliness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy broadcasting my podcast to a wide audience.

    I enjoy broadcasting my podcast to a wide audience.

    • "*Broadcasting* my podcast to a wide audience" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*broadcasting* my podcast to a wide audience).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a passion for broadcasting sports events.

    They have a passion for broadcasting sports events.

    • "For *broadcasting* sports events" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *broadcasting* sports events).

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 broadcast the concert live on social media.

I hope to broadcast my radio show on a national station.

He wants to broadcast his message to a wider audience.

We decided to broadcast the game on the radio.

They agreed to broadcast the interview on television.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys broadcasting breaking news stories.

Experts recommend regular broadcasting for building a strong audience.

I dislike the idea of broadcasting fake news.

He avoids broadcasting controversial topics.

Can you imagine yourself broadcasting live from a war zone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to broadcast their events online. They like broadcasting their events online.

We started to broadcast our podcast last month. We started broadcasting our podcast last month.

He began to broadcast the news on a local radio station. He began broadcasting the news on a local radio station.

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