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To Carry vs Carrying 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 carry (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to carry my groceries home.

Carrying (Gerund)

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

Example

Carrying heavy bags can strain your muscles.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To carry (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To carry heavy boxes requires strength.

    To carry heavy boxes requires strength.

    • "*To carry* heavy boxes" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to carry her bags.

    She wants me to carry her bags.

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

    I need a sturdy bag to carry my books.

    I need a sturdy bag to carry my books.

    • "*To carry* my books" modifies the noun "bag."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy bag *to carry* my books).

Carrying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Carrying heavy loads is part of his job.

    Carrying heavy loads is part of his job.

    • "*Carrying* heavy loads" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (part of his job).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy carrying groceries for my neighbors.

    I enjoy carrying groceries for my neighbors.

    • "*Carrying* groceries for my neighbors" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*carrying* groceries for my neighbors).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for carrying multiple items at once.

    She has a talent for carrying multiple items at once.

    • "For *carrying* multiple items at once" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *carrying* multiple items at once).

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

He plans to carry the furniture upstairs.

They hope to carry their team to victory.

She wants to carry all the bags herself.

We decided to carry the boxes to the attic.

They agreed to carry the supplies for the camping trip.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys carrying his baby on his shoulders.

They recommend using a backpack for carrying heavy items.

I dislike carrying a heavy backpack on long hikes.

She avoids carrying fragile items without proper packaging.

Can you imagine yourself carrying a heavy load up a mountain?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to carry my own bags. I like carrying my own bags.

They started to carry their groceries in reusable bags. They started carrying their groceries in reusable bags.

She began to carry a water bottle everywhere. She began carrying a water bottle everywhere.

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