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To Broaden vs Broadening 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 broaden (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to broaden my knowledge by studying different subjects.

Broadening (Gerund)

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

Example

Broadening your perspective can lead to personal growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To broaden (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To broaden your horizons, you should travel to different countries.

    To broaden your horizons, you should travel to different countries.

    • "*To broaden* your horizons" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (should) + verb phrase (travel to different countries).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to broaden my skill set.

    She wants me to broaden my skill set.

    • "Me *to broaden* my skill set" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to broaden* my skill set).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a course to broaden my knowledge.

    I need a course to broaden my knowledge.

    • "*To broaden* my knowledge" modifies the noun "course."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a course *to broaden* my knowledge).

Broadening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Broadening your knowledge is important for professional development.

    Broadening your knowledge is important for professional development.

    • "*Broadening* your knowledge" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for professional development).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy broadening my horizons through traveling.

    I enjoy broadening my horizons through traveling.

    • "*Broadening* my horizons through traveling" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*broadening* my horizons through traveling).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for broadening her skill set.

    She has a passion for broadening her skill set.

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

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 broaden her expertise in marketing.

They hope to broaden their network through attending conferences.

He wants to broaden his understanding of different cultures.

We decided to broaden our skills by taking online courses.

They agreed to broaden their perspective by reading diverse books.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys broadening her knowledge by reading books.

They recommend regular broadening of one's perspectives through engaging in different activities.

I dislike the idea of broadening my skill set through tedious tasks.

He avoids broadening his understanding of complex topics.

Can you imagine yourself broadening your horizons by living in a foreign country?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to broaden her experiences through volunteering. She likes broadening her experiences through volunteering.

We started to broaden our perspectives by attending workshops. We started broadening our perspectives by attending workshops.

He began to broaden his skill set by learning new programming languages. He began broadening his skill set by learning new programming languages.

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