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To Buy vs Buying 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 buy (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to buy a new car.

Buying (Gerund)

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

Example

Buying online is convenient.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To buy (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To buy a house is a big decision.

    To buy a house is a big decision.

    • "*To buy* a house" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a big decision).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to buy her a gift.

    She wants me to buy her a gift.

    • "Me *to buy* her a gift" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to buy* her a gift).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a car to buy groceries.

    I need a car to buy groceries.

    • "*To buy* groceries" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a car *to buy* groceries).

Buying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Buying a car can be a complex process.

    Buying a car can be a complex process.

    • "*Buying* a car" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a complex process).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy buying clothes.

    I enjoy buying clothes.

    • "*Buying* clothes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*buying* clothes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for buying antiques.

    She has a passion for buying antiques.

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

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 buy a new house.

They hope to buy a vacation home in the mountains.

He wants to buy a new phone.

She plans to buy a laptop next month.

They refused to buy the expensive artwork.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys buying books from second-hand stores.

He avoids buying unnecessary items.

They recommend buying organic produce for better health.

I don't mind buying used furniture.

We are considering buying a new car.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to buy designer clothes. She likes buying designer clothes.

We started to buy groceries online. We started buying groceries online.

He began to buy stocks. He began buying stocks.

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