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To Come vs Coming 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 come (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to come to your party tonight.

Coming (Gerund)

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

Example

Coming late is not acceptable.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To come (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To come early is a sign of punctuality.

    To come early is a sign of punctuality.

    • "*To come* early" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of punctuality).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to come with her to the concert.

    She wants me to come with her to the concert.

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

    I need a car to come pick me up.

    I need a car to come pick me up.

    • "*To come* pick me up" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a car *to come* pick me up).

Coming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Coming prepared is essential for success.

    Coming prepared is essential for success.

    • "*Coming* prepared" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy coming to your house for dinner.

    I enjoy coming to your house for dinner.

    • "*Coming* to your house for dinner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*coming* to your house for dinner).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of coming to parties.

    She has a fear of coming to parties.

    • "Of *coming* to parties" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *coming* to parties).

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 come to the meeting tomorrow.

They hope to come early for the event.

He wants to come to the party with his friends.

We decided to come to the wedding ceremony.

They agreed to come together for the movie night.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys coming to the park in the evenings.

They recommend coming early to avoid traffic.

I dislike the idea of coming late to meetings.

He avoids coming to crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself coming on stage to receive an award?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to come to the beach. She likes coming to the beach.

We started to come here every weekend. We started coming here every weekend.

He began to come to the gym regularly. He began coming to the gym regularly.

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