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To Deliver vs Delivering 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 deliver (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to deliver the package on time.

Delivering (Gerund)

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

Example

Delivering packages is a demanding job.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To deliver (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To deliver is his responsibility.

    To deliver is his responsibility.

    • "*To deliver*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his responsibility).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to deliver the message.

    She wants me to deliver the message.

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

    I need a truck to deliver the goods.

    I need a truck to deliver the goods.

    • "*To deliver* the goods" modifies the noun "truck."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a truck *to deliver* the goods).

Delivering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Delivering mail is his daily routine.

    Delivering mail is his daily routine.

    • "*Delivering* mail" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his daily routine).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy delivering gifts to children.

    I enjoy delivering gifts to children.

    • "*Delivering* gifts to children" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*delivering* gifts to children).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for delivering speeches.

    He has a passion for delivering speeches.

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

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

He plans to deliver the presentation tomorrow.

We hope to deliver the package by Friday.

They want to deliver the project on time.

She decided to deliver the speech herself.

They agreed to deliver the product together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys delivering presents during the holidays.

They recommend delivering the report in person.

He avoids delivering bad news to clients.

Let's postpone delivering the presentation until next week.

Can you imagine yourself delivering a TED talk?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to deliver packages to different locations. I like delivering packages to different locations.

We started to deliver groceries to elderly people. We started delivering groceries to elderly people.

He began to deliver newspapers early in the morning. He began delivering newspapers early in the morning.

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