Help center

To Comprehend vs Comprehending Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 comprehend (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to comprehend the meaning of this book.

Comprehending (Gerund)

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

Example

Comprehending difficult texts can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To comprehend (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To comprehend is essential for learning.

    To comprehend is essential for learning.

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

    She wants me to comprehend the instructions.

    She wants me to comprehend the instructions.

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

    I need a dictionary to comprehend this article.

    I need a dictionary to comprehend this article.

    • "*To comprehend* this article" modifies the noun "dictionary."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a dictionary *to comprehend* this article).

Comprehending (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Comprehending foreign languages requires dedication.

    Comprehending foreign languages requires dedication.

    • "*Comprehending* foreign languages" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy comprehending scientific articles.

    I enjoy comprehending scientific articles.

    • "*Comprehending* scientific articles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*comprehending* scientific articles).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for comprehending complex theories.

    She has a talent for comprehending complex theories.

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

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 hope to comprehend the lecture before the exam.

He wants to comprehend the concept fully.

We decided to comprehend the research findings.

She chose to comprehend the poem in its original language.

He learned to comprehend complex ideas through practice.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys comprehending challenging puzzles.

They recommend regular comprehending of academic papers.

I avoid comprehending long texts late at night.

He considers comprehending different perspectives important.

Can you understand the importance of comprehending new concepts?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to comprehend complex ideas. She likes comprehending complex ideas.

We started to comprehend the subject matter. We started comprehending the subject matter.

He began to comprehend the instructions. He began comprehending the instructions.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!