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To Claim vs Claiming 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 claim (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to claim my prize at the awards ceremony.

Claiming (Gerund)

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

Example

Claiming the throne was his ultimate goal.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To claim (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To claim is his only option.

    To claim is his only option.

    • "*To claim*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his only option).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to claim the inheritance.

    She wants me to claim the inheritance.

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

    He needs a valid ID to claim the package.

    He needs a valid ID to claim the package.

    • "*To claim* the package" modifies the noun "valid ID."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a valid ID *to claim* the package).

Claiming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Claiming is a complex process.

    Claiming is a complex process.

    • "*Claiming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a complex process).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy claiming my achievements.

    I enjoy claiming my achievements.

    • "*Claiming* my achievements" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*claiming* my achievements).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for claiming her rights.

    She has a passion for claiming her rights.

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

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 claim our rights in court.

They hope to claim victory in the upcoming election.

He wants to claim ownership of the property.

She attempted to claim her refund from the store.

They refused to claim responsibility for the accident.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend claiming compensation for the damages.

He avoids claiming credit for other people's work.

We delayed claiming our prize until next week.

Can you imagine yourself claiming the championship title?

I understand the importance of claiming your rights.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to claim her rewards. She likes claiming her rewards.

We started to claim our benefits. We started claiming our benefits.

He began to claim his inheritance. He began claiming his inheritance.

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