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To Chase vs Chasing 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 chase (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to chase my dreams and never give up.

Chasing (Gerund)

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

Example

Chasing butterflies is a common pastime for children.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To chase (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To chase is a thrilling activity for dogs.

    To chase is a thrilling activity for dogs.

    • "*To chase*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling activity for dogs).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to chase after the ball.

    She wants me to chase after the ball.

    • "Me *to chase* after the ball" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to chase* after the ball).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a fast car to chase down criminals.

    I need a fast car to chase down criminals.

    • "*To chase* down criminals" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fast car *to chase* down criminals).

Chasing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Chasing butterflies brings joy to children.

    Chasing butterflies brings joy to children.

    • "*Chasing* butterflies" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (joy to children).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy chasing after my dreams.

    I enjoy chasing after my dreams.

    • "*Chasing* after my dreams" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*chasing* after my dreams).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for chasing adventures.

    She has a passion for chasing adventures.

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

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 chase his dreams relentlessly.

They hope to chase their goals with determination.

She wants to chase after her aspirations.

We decided to chase our dreams no matter what.

They agreed to chase their dreams together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys chasing butterflies in the garden.

They recommend chasing your dreams fearlessly.

I dislike the idea of chasing after fame.

She avoids chasing after material possessions.

Can you imagine yourself chasing your passions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to chase after squirrels. They like chasing after squirrels.

We started to chase our dreams. We started chasing our dreams.

He began to chase his goals. He began chasing his goals.

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