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To Consist vs Consisting 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 consist (Infinitive)

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

Example

The team's success consists of hard work and dedication.

Consisting (Gerund)

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

Example

The team's success is attributed to their hard work and dedication, consisting of long hours and unwavering commitment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To consist (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To consist of five members is the requirement for the team.

    To consist of five members is the requirement for the team.

    • "*To consist* of five members" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the requirement for the team).
  • 2Object

    They expect the committee to consist of experienced professionals.

    They expect the committee to consist of experienced professionals.

    • "The committee *to consist* of experienced professionals" is the object of the verb "expect."
    • Noun (They) + verb (expect) + noun phrase (the committee *to consist* of experienced professionals).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a strong foundation to consist of concrete and steel.

    We need a strong foundation to consist of concrete and steel.

    • "*To consist* of concrete and steel" modifies the noun "foundation."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong foundation *to consist* of concrete and steel).

Consisting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Consisting of various departments, the company works collaboratively.

    Consisting of various departments, the company works collaboratively.

    • "*Consisting* of various departments" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (works) + adverb (collaboratively).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys being part of a team consisting of talented individuals.

    She enjoys being part of a team consisting of talented individuals.

    • "Being part of a team *consisting* of talented individuals" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (being part of a team *consisting* of talented individuals).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    We discussed the benefits of a diverse team consisting of people from different backgrounds.

    We discussed the benefits of a diverse team consisting of people from different backgrounds.

    • "Of a diverse team *consisting* of people from different backgrounds" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (We) + verb (discussed) + noun phrase (the benefits of a diverse team *consisting* of people from different backgrounds).

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 consist of both experienced and new members in the committee.

I hope the final design to consist of multiple colors.

She wants the team to consist of skilled players.

He decided the menu to consist of vegetarian options.

We agreed the presentation to consist of visual aids.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend forming a team consisting of individuals with complementary skills.

He avoids situations consisting of unnecessary risks.

We are considering a proposal consisting of cost-saving measures.

Can you imagine a world consisting of peace and harmony?

I don't mind working in a team consisting of diverse personalities.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to consist of experienced professionals in their team. They like being part of a team consisting of experienced professionals.

She started to consist of various departments in her organization. She started building a team consisting of various departments in her organization.

We began to consist of innovative solutions in our product offerings. We began exploring options consisting of innovative solutions for our product offerings.

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