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To Descend vs Descending 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 descend (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to descend from the mountain peak.

Descending (Gerund)

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

Example

Descending requires good balance and concentration.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To descend (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To descend requires careful navigation.

    To descend requires careful navigation.

    • "*To descend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful navigation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to descend first.

    She wants me to descend first.

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

    I need a rope to descend safely.

    I need a rope to descend safely.

    • "*To descend* safely" modifies the noun "rope."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a rope *to descend* safely).

Descending (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Descending can be thrilling and exhilarating.

    Descending can be thrilling and exhilarating.

    • "*Descending*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (thrilling and exhilarating).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy descending steep slopes.

    I enjoy descending steep slopes.

    • "*Descending* steep slopes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*descending* steep slopes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of descending heights.

    She has a fear of descending heights.

    • "Of *descending* heights" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *descending* heights).

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 descend the mountain tomorrow.

I hope to descend with ease during the hike.

He wants to descend slowly and cautiously.

We decided to descend via the eastern route.

They agreed to descend together as a group.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys descending rapidly on skis.

Experts recommend practicing descending techniques for mountaineering.

I dislike the feeling of descending in an elevator.

They avoid descending slippery stairs.

Can you imagine yourself descending into a deep cave?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to descend from high altitudes. She likes descending from high altitudes.

We started to descend the steep slope. We started descending the steep slope.

He began to descend the staircase carefully. He began descending the staircase carefully.

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