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To Chat vs Chatting 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 chat (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to chat with my friends online.

Chatting (Gerund)

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

Example

Chatting is a popular pastime among teenagers.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To chat (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To chat is a great way to socialize with others.

    To chat is a great way to socialize with others.

    • "*To chat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to socialize with others).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to chat with her later.

    She wants me to chat with her later.

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

    I need a quiet place to chat with my colleagues.

    I need a quiet place to chat with my colleagues.

    • "*To chat* with my colleagues" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to chat* with my colleagues).

Chatting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Chatting with friends can be entertaining.

    Chatting with friends can be entertaining.

    • "*Chatting* with friends" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (entertaining).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy chatting with my siblings.

    I enjoy chatting with my siblings.

    • "*Chatting* with my siblings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*chatting* with my siblings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for chatting online.

    She has a passion for chatting online.

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

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 chat with her best friend tonight.

They hope to chat with you during the meeting.

He wants to chat about the project details.

We decided to chat over a cup of coffee.

They agreed to chat on the phone tomorrow.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys chatting with her friends on social media.

They recommend chatting with native speakers to improve language skills.

I dislike the idea of chatting with strangers online.

He avoids chatting during work hours.

Can you imagine yourself chatting with celebrities?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to chat with her colleagues at lunchtime. She likes chatting with her colleagues at lunchtime.

We started to chat regularly. We started chatting regularly.

He began to chat with his classmates after school. He began chatting with his classmates after school.

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