To Create vs Creating 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 create (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to create a masterpiece with my artwork.

Creating (Gerund)

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

Example

Creating art brings me joy and fulfillment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To create (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To create is a fundamental human desire.

  To create is a fundamental human desire.

  • "*To create*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental human desire).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to create a logo for her business.

  She wants me to create a logo for her business.

  • "Me *to create* a logo for her business" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to create* a logo for her business).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a canvas to create my artwork.

  I need a canvas to create my artwork.

  • "*To create* my artwork" modifies the noun "canvas."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a canvas *to create* my artwork).

Creating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Creating is a form of self-expression.

  Creating is a form of self-expression.

  • "*Creating*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of self-expression).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy creating digital illustrations.

  I enjoy creating digital illustrations.

  • "*Creating* digital illustrations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*creating* digital illustrations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for creating unique jewelry pieces.

  She has a passion for creating unique jewelry pieces.

  • "For *creating* unique jewelry pieces" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *creating* unique jewelry pieces).

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 create a sculpture out of clay.

They hope to create a successful business.

He wants to create a website for his portfolio.

We decided to create a new marketing campaign.

They agreed to create a collaborative art project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys creating sculptures from recycled materials.

They recommend creating a vision board for goal setting.

I dislike the process of creating spreadsheets.

He avoids creating conflict in the workplace.

Can you imagine yourself creating a masterpiece?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to create abstract paintings. She likes creating abstract paintings.

We started to create a documentary film. We started creating a documentary film.

He began to create music at a young age. He began creating music at a young age.