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To Dance vs Dancing 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 dance (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dance at the party tonight.

Dancing (Gerund)

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

Example

Dancing is a fun and energetic activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dance (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dance is a great way to express yourself.

    To dance is a great way to express yourself.

    • "*To dance*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to express yourself).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dance with her on stage.

    She wants me to dance with her on stage.

    • "Me *to dance* with her on stage" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dance* with her on stage).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a partner to dance with.

    I need a partner to dance with.

    • "*To dance* with" modifies the noun "partner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to dance* with).

Dancing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dancing requires coordination and rhythm.

    Dancing requires coordination and rhythm.

    • "*Dancing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (coordination and rhythm).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dancing with my friends at parties.

    I enjoy dancing with my friends at parties.

    • "*Dancing* with my friends at parties" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dancing* with my friends at parties).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for dancing.

    She has a passion for dancing.

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

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

They plan to dance all night long at the wedding.

I hope to dance with my favorite celebrity someday.

He wants to dance in the spotlight on stage.

We decided to dance together in the talent show.

They agreed to dance a romantic waltz at the ball.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy dancing to their favorite songs.

Experts recommend regular dancing for cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of dancing in front of a large audience.

He avoids dancing in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself dancing on a grand stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dance salsa. She likes dancing salsa.

We started to dance professionally. We started dancing professionally.

He began to dance ballet at a young age. He began dancing ballet at a young age.

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