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To Count vs Counting 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 count (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to count all the votes to ensure accuracy.

Counting (Gerund)

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

Example

Counting can be a tedious task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To count (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To count is an essential skill in mathematics.

    To count is an essential skill in mathematics.

    • "*To count*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill in mathematics).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to count the money.

    She wants me to count the money.

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

    I need a calculator to count large numbers.

    I need a calculator to count large numbers.

    • "*To count* large numbers" modifies the noun "calculator."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calculator *to count* large numbers).

Counting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Counting is a basic math skill.

    Counting is a basic math skill.

    • "*Counting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic math skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy counting the stars at night.

    I enjoy counting the stars at night.

    • "*Counting* the stars at night" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*counting* the stars at night).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a knack for counting cards.

    She has a knack for counting cards.

    • "For *counting* cards" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *counting* cards).

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 count the inventory tomorrow.

They hope to count all the votes accurately.

He wants to count the money himself.

We decided to count the number of participants.

They agreed to count the number of errors together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys counting her steps while walking.

They recommend regular counting exercises for improved concentration.

I dislike the task of counting inventory.

He avoids counting calories in his meals.

Can you imagine yourself counting sheep to fall asleep?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to count the money. She likes counting the money.

We started to count from one to ten. We started counting from one to ten.

He began to count the number of books. He began counting the number of books.

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