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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 want to claim my prize for winning the contest.

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 your rights is essential for maintaining equality.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To claim (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To claim is a necessary step in the insurance process.

    To claim is a necessary step in the insurance process.

    • "*To claim*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in the insurance process).
  • 2Object

    He expects me to claim the inheritance.

    He expects me to claim the inheritance.

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

    She needs a document to claim the refund.

    She needs a document to claim the refund.

    • "*To claim* the refund" modifies the noun "document."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a document *to claim* the refund).

Claiming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Claiming your rights is a fundamental aspect of democracy.

    Claiming your rights is a fundamental aspect of democracy.

    • "*Claiming* your rights" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental aspect of democracy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy claiming victory in competitive sports.

    I enjoy claiming victory in competitive sports.

    • "*Claiming* victory in competitive sports" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*claiming* victory in competitive sports).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They discussed the benefits of claiming compensation.

    They discussed the benefits of claiming compensation.

    • "Of *claiming* compensation" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (discussed) + noun phrase (the benefits of *claiming* compensation).

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

They promised to claim their rewards after completing the task.

We decided to claim our rights and demand justice.

He refused to claim responsibility for the accident.

The protesters demand to claim their freedom and equal rights.

She attempted to claim the title of the fastest runner.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids claiming responsibility for her mistakes.

They are considering claiming ownership of the property.

Experts recommend claiming your rights in the workplace.

He decided to postpone claiming his prize until later.

Can you imagine claiming the top spot in the competition?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to claim her achievements proudly. She likes claiming her achievements proudly.

We started to claim our rights and demand change. We started claiming our rights and demanding change.

He began to claim his position as the leader. He began claiming his position as the leader.

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