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To Conceive vs Conceiving 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 conceive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to conceive a child in the near future.

Conceiving (Gerund)

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

Example

Conceiving a child can be a complex process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To conceive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To conceive is a natural process for most couples.

    To conceive is a natural process for most couples.

    • "*To conceive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process for most couples).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to conceive a baby with her.

    She wants me to conceive a baby with her.

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

    I need a fertility treatment to conceive a child.

    I need a fertility treatment to conceive a child.

    • "*To conceive* a child" modifies the noun "fertility treatment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fertility treatment *to conceive* a child).

Conceiving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Conceiving requires both male and female fertility.

    Conceiving requires both male and female fertility.

    • "*Conceiving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (both male and female fertility).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy conceiving new ideas and bringing them to life.

    I enjoy conceiving new ideas and bringing them to life.

    • "*Conceiving* new ideas and bringing them to life" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*conceiving* new ideas and bringing them to life).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a strong desire for conceiving a child.

    She has a strong desire for conceiving a child.

    • "For *conceiving* a child" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a strong desire for *conceiving* a child).

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 conceive a baby next year.

I hope to conceive twins someday.

She wants to conceive a child before she turns 35.

We decided to conceive through IVF.

He chose to conceive naturally rather than using assisted reproductive techniques.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy conceiving innovative solutions to complex problems.

Doctors recommend regular check-ups for couples who are conceiving.

Some couples avoid stress while conceiving to improve their chances.

Can you imagine the joy of conceiving after struggling with infertility?

I don't mind conceiving later in life.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to conceive naturally without medical intervention. She likes conceiving ideas in her free time.

They started to conceive as soon as they got married. They started conceiving right after their wedding.

He began to conceive a child when he was in his thirties. He began conceiving after years of trying.

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