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To Caretaker vs Caretaking 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 caretaker (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to caretaker for the elderly to provide them with companionship and assistance.

Caretaking (Gerund)

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

Example

Caretaking involves taking care of others and ensuring their well-being.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To caretaker (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To caretaker is a rewarding profession that requires compassion and patience.

    To caretaker is a rewarding profession that requires compassion and patience.

    • "*To caretaker*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a rewarding profession that requires compassion and patience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to caretaker for her children while she is at work.

    She wants me to caretaker for her children while she is at work.

    • "Me *to caretaker* for her children while she is at work" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to caretaker* for her children while she is at work).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a responsible person to caretaker our house while we are on vacation.

    We need a responsible person to caretaker our house while we are on vacation.

    • "*To caretaker* our house while we are on vacation" modifies the noun "person."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a responsible person *to caretaker* our house while we are on vacation).

Caretaking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Caretaking is a demanding but fulfilling job.

    Caretaking is a demanding but fulfilling job.

    • "*Caretaking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a demanding but fulfilling job).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy caretaking for the elderly and making a positive impact on their lives.

    I enjoy caretaking for the elderly and making a positive impact on their lives.

    • "*Caretaking* for the elderly" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*caretaking* for the elderly).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a passion for caretaking and helping those in need.

    They have a passion for caretaking and helping those in need.

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

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 caretaker for their aging parents in the future.

I hope to caretaker for animals in a shelter someday.

He wants to caretaker for individuals with disabilities.

She decided to caretaker for the sick and the vulnerable.

We agreed to caretaker for each other's children when needed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys caretaking for animals at the local shelter.

Doctors recommend regular exercise and healthy eating for overall well-being and caretaking of oneself.

I dislike the idea of caretaking for difficult patients.

He avoids caretaking for people who do not appreciate his efforts.

Can you imagine yourself caretaking for a large family?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to caretaker for the elderly in her community. She likes caretaking for the elderly in her community.

We started to caretaker for our neighbors' pets during vacations. We started caretaking for our neighbors' pets during vacations.

He began to caretaker for his younger siblings when his parents were away. He began caretaking for his younger siblings when his parents were away.

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