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To Collect vs Collecting 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 collect (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to collect stamps from all over the world.

Collecting (Gerund)

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

Example

Collecting vintage items is a passion of mine.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To collect (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To collect stamps is a popular hobby.

    To collect stamps is a popular hobby.

    • "*To collect* stamps" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular hobby).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to collect rare coins for her.

    She wants me to collect rare coins for her.

    • "Me *to collect* rare coins for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to collect* rare coins for her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a bigger shelf to collect more books.

    I need a bigger shelf to collect more books.

    • "*To collect* more books" modifies the noun "shelf."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger shelf *to collect* more books).

Collecting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Collecting art can be a lucrative investment.

    Collecting art can be a lucrative investment.

    • "*Collecting* art" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a lucrative investment).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy collecting old coins and banknotes.

    I enjoy collecting old coins and banknotes.

    • "*Collecting* old coins and banknotes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*collecting* old coins and banknotes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for collecting rare stamps.

    She has a passion for collecting rare stamps.

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

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 collect vintage vinyl records.

They hope to collect seashells on their beach vacation.

He wants to collect antique cars as a hobby.

We decided to collect artwork from local artists.

They agreed to collect rare stamps together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys collecting vintage toys and memorabilia.

They recommend collecting books for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of collecting insects as a hobby.

He avoids collecting clutter in his living space.

Can you imagine yourself collecting rare artwork?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to collect stamps from different countries. She likes collecting stamps from different countries.

We started to collect baseball cards as kids. We started collecting baseball cards as kids.

He began to collect vintage postcards. He began collecting vintage postcards.

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