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To Dig vs Digging 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 dig (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dig a hole in the backyard to plant a tree.

Digging (Gerund)

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

Example

Digging in the garden can be therapeutic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dig (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dig is hard work.

    To dig is hard work.

    • "*To dig*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (hard work).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dig a trench for the fence.

    She wants me to dig a trench for the fence.

    • "Me *to dig* a trench for the fence" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dig* a trench for the fence).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a shovel to dig the soil.

    I need a shovel to dig the soil.

    • "*To dig* the soil" modifies the noun "shovel."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a shovel *to dig* the soil).

Digging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Digging requires strength and endurance.

    Digging requires strength and endurance.

    • "*Digging*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and endurance).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy digging for buried treasure.

    I enjoy digging for buried treasure.

    • "*Digging* for buried treasure" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*digging* for buried treasure).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for digging.

    She has a passion for digging.

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

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 dig a well in her backyard.

They hope to dig a tunnel for their secret hideout.

He wants to dig a trench for the irrigation system.

We decided to dig a hole for the foundation.

They agreed to dig a pit for the bonfire.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys digging in her flower beds every morning.

They recommend regular digging for healthy soil.

I dislike the idea of digging in rocky ground.

He avoids digging in areas with underground cables.

Can you imagine yourself digging for dinosaur bones?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dig in the sand at the beach. She likes digging in the sand at the beach.

We started to dig a garden in our backyard. We started digging a garden in our backyard.

He began to dig a hole for the fence. He began digging a hole for the fence.

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