To Compare vs Comparing 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 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 helps you find the best deal.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To compare (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To compare is essential when making a decision.

  To compare is essential when making a decision.

  • "*To compare*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (essential).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to compare different options.

  She wants me to compare different options.

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

• 1. Subject

  Comparing different options is important before making a decision.

  Comparing different options is important before making a decision.

  • "*Comparing* different options" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important before making a decision).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy comparing prices online.

  I enjoy comparing prices online.

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

  She has a talent for comparing different styles.

  She has a talent for comparing different styles.

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

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

• plan
• decide
• hope
• want
• refuse

Example

He plans to compare prices at different stores.

They decided to compare the features of each product.

I hope to compare different models before buying one.

She wants to compare the quality of different brands.

He refuses to compare his work to others.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

They enjoy comparing different products in the market.

Experts recommend comparing prices before making a purchase.

I avoid comparing myself to others.

Can you imagine comparing your life to someone else's?

I don't mind comparing different options.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to compare different styles before buying clothes. I like comparing different styles before buying clothes.

She started to compare prices after realizing she was overspending. She started comparing prices after realizing she was overspending.

We began to compare the features of each car. We began comparing the features of each car.