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To Compete vs Competing 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 compete (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to compete in the race to test my skills.

Competing (Gerund)

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

Example

Competing in competitions is a thrilling experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To compete (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To compete requires dedication and perseverance.

    To compete requires dedication and perseverance.

    • "*To compete*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and perseverance).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to compete in the competition.

    She wants me to compete in the competition.

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

    We need a proper training facility to compete at a professional level.

    We need a proper training facility to compete at a professional level.

    • "*To compete* at a professional level" modifies the noun "training facility."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a proper training facility *to compete* at a professional level).

Competing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Competing requires mental and physical strength.

    Competing requires mental and physical strength.

    • "*Competing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (mental and physical strength).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy competing against skilled opponents.

    I enjoy competing against skilled opponents.

    • "*Competing* against skilled opponents" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*competing* against skilled opponents).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for competing in marathons.

    She has a passion for competing in marathons.

    • "For *competing* in marathons" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *competing* in marathons).

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

They plan to compete in the championship next month.

I hope to compete in the Olympics someday.

He wants to compete in the international tournament.

We decided to compete in the regional qualifiers.

They agreed to compete as a team in the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy competing in team sports.

Experts recommend regular competing for skill improvement.

I dislike the idea of competing in extreme weather conditions.

He avoids competing against his friends.

Can you imagine yourself competing at the highest level?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to compete in challenging competitions. She likes competing in challenging competitions.

We started to compete professionally. We started competing professionally.

He began to compete at a young age. He began competing at a young age.

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