To Consume vs Consuming 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 consume (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to consume healthier foods to improve my overall well-being.

Consuming (Gerund)

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

Example

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to health problems.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To consume (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To consume is a basic human need.

  To consume is a basic human need.

  • "*To consume*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to consume more fruits and vegetables.

  She wants me to consume more fruits and vegetables.

  • "Me *to consume* more fruits and vegetables" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to consume* more fruits and vegetables).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a blender to consume smoothies.

  I need a blender to consume smoothies.

  • "*To consume* smoothies" modifies the noun "blender."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a blender *to consume* smoothies).

Consuming (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Consuming junk food regularly is not good for your health.

  Consuming junk food regularly is not good for your health.

  • "*Consuming* junk food regularly" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not good for your health).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy consuming different types of cuisine.

  I enjoy consuming different types of cuisine.

  • "*Consuming* different types of cuisine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*consuming* different types of cuisine).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for consuming culinary delights.

  She has a passion for consuming culinary delights.

  • "For *consuming* culinary delights" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *consuming* culinary delights).

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
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to consume organic produce for a month.

They hope to consume less processed food in their diet.

He wants to consume a balanced diet for better health.

We decided to consume more water throughout the day.

They agreed to consume fewer sugary drinks.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys consuming exotic dishes from around the world.

They recommend consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

I dislike the idea of consuming artificial additives in my food.

He avoids consuming high-calorie snacks late at night.

Can you imagine yourself consuming a whole pizza by yourself?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to consume organic products. She likes consuming organic products.

We started to consume more plant-based meals. We started consuming more plant-based meals.

He began to consume herbal supplements. He began consuming herbal supplements.