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To Collaborate vs Collaborating 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 collaborate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to collaborate with my colleagues on this project.

Collaborating (Gerund)

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

Example

Collaborating is key to achieving success in any project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To collaborate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To collaborate is essential for a successful team.

    To collaborate is essential for a successful team.

    • "*To collaborate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a successful team).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to collaborate with her on the presentation.

    She wants me to collaborate with her on the presentation.

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

    We need a platform to collaborate effectively.

    We need a platform to collaborate effectively.

    • "*To collaborate* effectively" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to collaborate* effectively).

Collaborating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Collaborating with others enhances creativity.

    Collaborating with others enhances creativity.

    • "*Collaborating* with others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (enhances) + noun phrase (creativity).
  • 2Object

    We enjoy collaborating with our teammates.

    We enjoy collaborating with our teammates.

    • "*Collaborating* with our teammates" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*collaborating* with our teammates).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for collaborating effectively.

    He has a talent for collaborating effectively.

    • "For *collaborating* effectively" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *collaborating* effectively).

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 plan to collaborate on the project next week.

I hope to collaborate with experts in the field.

He wants to collaborate on the research paper.

We decided to collaborate with other organizations.

They agreed to collaborate on the fundraising event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys collaborating on creative projects.

They recommend collaborating with experienced professionals.

I dislike the idea of collaborating with unreliable individuals.

He avoids collaborating with difficult personalities.

Can you imagine yourself collaborating with top industry leaders?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to collaborate with her teammates. She likes collaborating with her teammates.

We started to collaborate on this project. We started collaborating on this project.

He began to collaborate with other departments. He began collaborating with other departments.

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