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To Sing vs Singing 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 sing (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sing a song at the concert.

Singing (Gerund)

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

Example

Singing brings joy to my heart.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sing (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    • "*To sing*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her favorite hobby).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sing a duet with her.

    She wants me to sing a duet with her.

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

    He needs a microphone to sing loudly.

    He needs a microphone to sing loudly.

    • "*To sing* loudly" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a microphone *to sing* loudly).

Singing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Singing is a form of self-expression.

    Singing is a form of self-expression.

    • "*Singing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of self-expression).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    • "*Singing* in the shower" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*singing* in the shower).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for singing.

    She has a passion for singing.

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

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 sing at the talent show next week.

I hope to sing in the choir this semester.

She wants to sing a solo at the recital.

We decided to sing together in the band.

They agreed to sing a duet at the wedding.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys singing in a choir every Sunday.

They recommend regular singing for vocal health.

I dislike the idea of singing in front of a large audience.

She avoids singing in public places.

Can you imagine yourself singing on a big stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to sing in the car. They like singing in the car.

I started to sing professionally. I started singing professionally.

We began to sing in a choir. We began singing in a choir.

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