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To Compare vs Comparing 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 compare (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to compare prices before making a purchase.

Comparing (Gerund)

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

Example

Comparing prices can help you save money.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To compare (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To compare is an important skill in decision-making.

    To compare is an important skill in decision-making.

    • "*To compare*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill in decision-making).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to compare the two options.

    She wants me to compare the two options.

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

    I need a magnifying glass to compare the details.

    I need a magnifying glass to compare the details.

    • "*To compare* the details" modifies the noun "magnifying glass."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a magnifying glass *to compare* the details).

Comparing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Comparing prices is essential for budgeting.

    Comparing prices is essential for budgeting.

    • "*Comparing* prices" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for budgeting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy comparing different brands.

    I enjoy comparing different brands.

    • "*Comparing* different brands" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*comparing* different brands).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for comparing products.

    She has a talent for comparing products.

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

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 compare the prices at different stores.

They hope to compare the features of different models.

He wants to compare the options before making a decision.

We decided to compare the quality of different products.

They agreed to compare the prices before purchasing.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys comparing prices at different stores.

They recommend comparing customer reviews before purchasing.

I dislike comparing different options.

He avoids comparing prices and just buys what he likes.

Can you imagine yourself comparing all the available choices?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to compare different products before buying. She likes comparing different products before buying.

We started to compare prices online. We started comparing prices online.

He began to compare the features of various models. He began comparing the features of various models.

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