Help center

To Dine vs Dining Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 dine (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dine at that new restaurant.

Dining (Gerund)

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

Example

Dining out is a popular trend nowadays.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dine is a great way to socialize with friends.

    To dine is a great way to socialize with friends.

    • "*To dine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to socialize with friends).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dine with her at the fancy restaurant.

    She wants me to dine with her at the fancy restaurant.

    • "Me *to dine* with her at the fancy restaurant" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dine* with her at the fancy restaurant).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reservation to dine at that exclusive restaurant.

    I need a reservation to dine at that exclusive restaurant.

    • "*To dine* at that exclusive restaurant" modifies the noun "reservation."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reservation *to dine* at that exclusive restaurant).

Dining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dining out can be a fun experience.

    Dining out can be a fun experience.

    • "*Dining* out" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a fun experience).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dining at fancy restaurants.

    I enjoy dining at fancy restaurants.

    • "*Dining* at fancy restaurants" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dining* at fancy restaurants).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for dining at new places.

    She has a passion for dining at new places.

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

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 dine at the new bistro next week.

We hope to dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant someday.

He wants to dine at a rooftop restaurant with a view.

She decided to dine at the Italian trattoria for her birthday.

They agreed to dine at the sushi bar for their anniversary.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys dining with friends at local eateries.

They recommend trying different cuisines and dining experiences.

I dislike the idea of dining alone in crowded restaurants.

She avoids dining at fast-food chains for health reasons.

Can you imagine yourself dining at a five-star restaurant?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to dine at cozy cafes. They like dining at cozy cafes.

We started to dine together every Friday night. We started dining together every Friday night.

He began to dine at fine-dining establishments. He began dining at fine-dining establishments.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!