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To Cheat vs Cheating 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 cheat (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to cheat on the test because it's not fair.

Cheating (Gerund)

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

Example

Cheating is a violation of academic integrity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To cheat (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To cheat is dishonest and unethical.

    To cheat is dishonest and unethical.

    • "*To cheat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (dishonest and unethical).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to cheat on her behalf.

    She wants me to cheat on her behalf.

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

    I need a calculator to cheat on the math exam.

    I need a calculator to cheat on the math exam.

    • "*To cheat* on the math exam" modifies the noun "calculator."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calculator *to cheat* on the math exam).

Cheating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Cheating can have serious consequences.

    Cheating can have serious consequences.

    • "*Cheating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can have) + noun phrase (serious consequences).
  • 2Object

    I regret cheating on the exam.

    I regret cheating on the exam.

    • "*Cheating* on the exam" is the object of the verb "regret."
    • Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*cheating* on the exam).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They were caught in the act of cheating.

    They were caught in the act of cheating.

    • "In the act of *cheating*" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (were caught) + prepositional phrase (in the act of *cheating*).

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

We decided to cheat in order to win the game.

He pretends to cheat just to see our reactions.

They determined to cheat their way to the top.

I wish to cheat was never an option.

She hopes to cheat won't be necessary.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids cheating by studying hard.

He is considering cheating to get ahead.

Experts recommend cheating as a shortcut to success.

Do you mind cheating during the game?

They postponed cheating until they were desperate.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to cheat in card games. I like cheating in card games.

They began to cheat in order to win. They began cheating in order to win.

He continues to cheat despite the consequences. He continues cheating despite the consequences.

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