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To Converge vs Converging 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 converge (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to converge all the data into one comprehensive report.

Converging (Gerund)

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

Example

Converging all the data streams requires careful analysis.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To converge (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To converge is the goal of this project.

    To converge is the goal of this project.

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

    She wants me to converge the information from different sources.

    She wants me to converge the information from different sources.

    • "Me *to converge* the information from different sources" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to converge* the information from different sources).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a tool to converge the multiple data streams.

    I need a tool to converge the multiple data streams.

    • "*To converge* the multiple data streams" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to converge* the multiple data streams).

Converging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Converging different ideas can lead to innovative solutions.

    Converging different ideas can lead to innovative solutions.

    • "*Converging* different ideas" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead) + noun phrase (innovative solutions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy converging various perspectives in my research.

    I enjoy converging various perspectives in my research.

    • "*Converging* various perspectives in my research" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*converging* various perspectives in my research).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for converging diverse opinions.

    She has a talent for converging diverse opinions.

    • "For *converging* diverse opinions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *converging* diverse opinions).

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

She plans to converge all the tasks before the deadline.

They hope to converge their efforts for a successful outcome.

He wants to converge all the departments for better collaboration.

We decided to converge our strategies to achieve the common goal.

They agreed to converge their opinions to reach a consensus.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys converging different data sources for accurate results.

They recommend converging the findings from multiple studies.

I avoid converging conflicting information to ensure accuracy.

He is considering converging the data before making a decision.

Can you imagine the benefits of converging various perspectives?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to converge all the data into a single database. She likes converging data from different sources.

We started to converge our efforts for a successful outcome. We started converging our strategies for better results.

He began to converge different ideas to find a solution. He began converging different perspectives for better understanding.

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