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To Commute vs Commuting 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 commute (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to commute to work every day.

Commuting (Gerund)

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

Example

Commuting can be tiring and stressful.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To commute (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To commute takes up a lot of my time.

    To commute takes up a lot of my time.

    • "*To commute*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (up a lot of my time).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to commute with her.

    She wants me to commute with her.

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

    I need a car to commute to the office.

    I need a car to commute to the office.

    • "*To commute* to the office" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a car *to commute* to the office).

Commuting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Commuting in rush hour is a nightmare.

    Commuting in rush hour is a nightmare.

    • "*Commuting* in rush hour" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a nightmare).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy commuting by bike.

    I enjoy commuting by bike.

    • "*Commuting* by bike" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*commuting* by bike).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a love for commuting.

    She has a love for commuting.

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

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 commute by train starting next week.

They hope to commute together for convenience.

He wants to commute on a bicycle for exercise.

We decided to commute by car due to the traffic.

They agreed to commute by public transportation to reduce pollution.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys commuting with her friends.

They recommend commuting by public transportation to reduce traffic congestion.

I dislike commuting long distances.

He avoids commuting during peak hours.

Can you imagine commuting by helicopter?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to commute by train. She likes commuting by train.

We started to commute together. We started commuting together.

He began to commute by bus. He began commuting by bus.

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