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To Decompose vs Decomposing 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 decompose (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to decompose organic waste to help the environment.

Decomposing (Gerund)

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

Example

Decomposing organic matter releases nutrients into the soil.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To decompose (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To decompose is a natural process in nature.

    To decompose is a natural process in nature.

    • "*To decompose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process in nature).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to decompose the garbage.

    She wants me to decompose the garbage.

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

    I need a compost bin to decompose the food scraps.

    I need a compost bin to decompose the food scraps.

    • "*To decompose* the food scraps" modifies the noun "compost bin."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a compost bin *to decompose* the food scraps).

Decomposing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Decomposing leaves create rich soil for plants.

    Decomposing leaves create rich soil for plants.

    • "*Decomposing* leaves" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (create) + noun phrase (rich soil for plants).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy decomposing fruit peels for compost.

    I enjoy decomposing fruit peels for compost.

    • "*Decomposing* fruit peels for compost" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*decomposing* fruit peels for compost).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for decomposing organic waste.

    She has a talent for decomposing organic waste.

    • "For *decomposing* organic waste" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *decomposing* organic waste).

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 decompose the leaves in her backyard.

They hope to decompose the fallen branches for mulch.

He wants to decompose the kitchen waste into compost.

We decided to decompose the garden waste for fertilizer.

They agreed to decompose the organic matter in a compost pile.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys decomposing garden trimmings for composting.

They recommend decomposing plant material for a healthier garden.

I dislike the smell of decomposing organic waste.

He avoids decomposing animal products in his compost pile.

Can you imagine the benefits of decomposing food waste into compost?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to decompose organic matter in her backyard. She likes decomposing organic matter in her backyard.

We started to decompose kitchen scraps for composting. We started decomposing kitchen scraps for composting.

He began to decompose leaves for mulch. He began decomposing leaves for mulch.

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