To Commence vs Commencing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To commence (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to commence my project next week.

Commencing (Gerund)

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

Example

Commencing the ceremony with a speech is traditional.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To commence (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To commence is a crucial step in any endeavor.

  To commence is a crucial step in any endeavor.

  • "*To commence*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step in any endeavor).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to commence the meeting.

  She wants me to commence the meeting.

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

  We need a venue to commence the event.

  We need a venue to commence the event.

  • "*To commence* the event" modifies the noun "venue."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a venue *to commence* the event).

Commencing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Commencing early is essential for a successful event.

  Commencing early is essential for a successful event.

  • "*Commencing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a successful event).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy commencing the day with a cup of coffee.

  I enjoy commencing the day with a cup of coffee.

  • "*Commencing* the day with a cup of coffee" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*commencing* the day with a cup of coffee).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a passion for commencing new projects.

  He has a passion for commencing new projects.

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

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

• agree
• hope
• want
• decide
• plan

Example

They agreed to commence the project as soon as possible.

He hopes to commence his studies in the fall.

She wants to commence the game at noon.

We decided to commence the construction next month.

I plan to commence my journey early in the morning.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• delay
• mind

Example

They recommend commencing the event with a welcome speech.

She avoids commencing tasks without proper planning.

I am considering commencing a new business venture.

They delayed commencing the project due to unforeseen circumstances.

He doesn't mind commencing work early in the morning.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to commence her day with meditation. She likes commencing her day with meditation.

We started to commence the program with a warm-up exercise. We started commencing the program with a warm-up exercise.

He began to commence his presentation with an introduction. He began commencing his presentation with an introduction.