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To Clean vs Cleaning 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 clean (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to clean the house before guests arrive.

Cleaning (Gerund)

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

Example

Cleaning can be therapeutic and help reduce stress.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To clean (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To clean is an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment.

    To clean is an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment.

    • "*To clean*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of maintaining a healthy environment).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to clean the dishes.

    She wants me to clean the dishes.

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

    I need a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet.

    I need a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet.

    • "*To clean* the carpet" modifies the noun "vacuum cleaner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a vacuum cleaner *to clean* the carpet).

Cleaning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Cleaning is a necessary chore that needs to be done regularly.

    Cleaning is a necessary chore that needs to be done regularly.

    • "*Cleaning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary chore that needs to be done regularly).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy cleaning the house on weekends.

    I enjoy cleaning the house on weekends.

    • "*Cleaning* the house on weekends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*cleaning* the house on weekends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for cleaning the kitchen.

    She has a passion for cleaning the kitchen.

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

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 clean the entire house tomorrow.

They hope to clean their room before their parents come back.

He wants to clean the windows this weekend.

We decided to clean the garage today.

They agreed to clean the kitchen together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys cleaning her car every week.

They recommend regular cleaning for a hygienic living space.

I dislike the task of cleaning the bathroom.

He avoids cleaning his room by asking his sibling to do it.

Can you imagine yourself cleaning the whole house in just one day?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to clean the dishes after dinner. She likes cleaning the dishes after dinner.

We started to clean our backyard garden. We started cleaning our backyard garden.

He began to clean the windows every month. He began cleaning the windows every month.

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