To Develop vs Developing 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 develop (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to develop my skills in programming.

Developing (Gerund)

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

Example

Developing good communication skills is important in any profession.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To develop (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To develop is essential for personal growth.

  To develop is essential for personal growth.

  • "*To develop*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for personal growth).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to develop a new website for her business.

  She wants me to develop a new website for her business.

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

  I need a quiet environment to develop my creativity.

  I need a quiet environment to develop my creativity.

  • "*To develop* my creativity" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to develop* my creativity).

Developing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Developing a positive attitude is crucial for success.

  Developing a positive attitude is crucial for success.

  • "*Developing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for success).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy developing new ideas and concepts.

  I enjoy developing new ideas and concepts.

  • "*Developing* new ideas and concepts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*developing* new ideas and concepts).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for developing innovative solutions.

  He has a talent for developing innovative solutions.

  • "For *developing* innovative solutions" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *developing* innovative solutions).

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

He plans to develop a mobile app for his startup.

They hope to develop a cure for cancer in the near future.

She wants to develop her artistic skills.

We decided to develop a new marketing strategy.

They agreed to develop a partnership with the company.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

She enjoys developing her photography skills in her free time.

They recommend developing a daily exercise routine for better health.

He avoids developing bad habits that can hinder progress.

Can you imagine yourself developing groundbreaking technology?

I don't mind developing my knowledge in different areas.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to develop new recipes in the kitchen. She likes developing new recipes in the kitchen.

We started to develop a new software application. We started developing a new software application.

He began to develop his own business plan. He began developing his own business plan.