To Contain vs Containing 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 contain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need a container to contain all the ingredients.

Containing (Gerund)

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

Example

Containing all the necessary nutrients, this smoothie is great for breakfast.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To contain (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To contain is the main goal of this project.

  To contain is the main goal of this project.

  • "*To contain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the main goal of this project).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to contain my excitement.

  She wants me to contain my excitement.

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

  I need a box to contain all my belongings.

  I need a box to contain all my belongings.

  • "*To contain* all my belongings" modifies the noun "box."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a box *to contain* all my belongings).

Containing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Containing sugar, this drink is not suitable for diabetics.

  Containing sugar, this drink is not suitable for diabetics.

  • "*Containing* sugar" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (sugar, this drink).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy recipes containing fresh herbs.

  I enjoy recipes containing fresh herbs.

  • "Recipes *containing* fresh herbs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (recipes *containing* fresh herbs).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a cookbook containing various vegetarian recipes.

  She has a cookbook containing various vegetarian recipes.

  • "*Containing* various vegetarian recipes" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a cookbook *containing* various vegetarian recipes).

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

He plans to contain the fire within the designated area.

We hope to contain the virus outbreak soon.

They want to contain the spread of misinformation.

I decided to contain my anger and remain calm.

They agreed to contain their excitement until the surprise was revealed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

They enjoy dishes containing spicy flavors.

I recommend using a moisturizer containing SPF for sun protection.

He avoids foods containing gluten due to his allergy.

We are considering a product containing natural ingredients.

Can you imagine a world containing only peace and love?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to contain everything in labeled containers. I like containing everything in labeled containers.

She started to contain her emotions. She started containing her emotions.

He began to contain the situation before it escalated. He began containing the situation before it escalated.