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To Climb vs Climbing 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 climb (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to climb Mount Everest.

Climbing (Gerund)

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

Example

Climbing is an exhilarating adventure.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To climb (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To climb is a challenging sport.

    To climb is a challenging sport.

    • "*To climb*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging sport).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to climb the mountain with her.

    She wants me to climb the mountain with her.

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

    I need proper gear to climb safely.

    I need proper gear to climb safely.

    • "*To climb* safely" modifies the noun "gear."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (proper gear *to climb* safely).

Climbing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Climbing requires strength and skill.

    Climbing requires strength and skill.

    • "*Climbing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy climbing tall buildings.

    I enjoy climbing tall buildings.

    • "*Climbing* tall buildings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*climbing* tall buildings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for climbing mountains.

    He has a passion for climbing mountains.

    • "For *climbing* mountains" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *climbing* mountains).

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

He plans to climb the highest peak in the world next year.

They hope to climb all seven summits in their lifetime.

She wants to climb the famous rock formation.

We decided to climb the mountain in summer.

They agreed to climb the steep cliffs together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys climbing challenging routes.

They recommend regular climbing for building strength and endurance.

I dislike the idea of climbing in extreme weather conditions.

He avoids climbing in dangerous areas.

Can you imagine yourself climbing the tallest peak in the world?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to climb mountains. She likes climbing mountains.

We started to climb indoor walls. We started climbing indoor walls.

He began to climb at a young age. He began climbing at a young age.

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