To Discuss vs Discussing 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 discuss (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to discuss this topic with you.

Discussing (Gerund)

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

Example

Discussing different viewpoints can lead to better understanding.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To discuss (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To discuss is important for resolving conflicts.

  To discuss is important for resolving conflicts.

  • "*To discuss*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for resolving conflicts).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to discuss the issue.

  She wants me to discuss the issue.

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

  We need a meeting room to discuss our plans.

  We need a meeting room to discuss our plans.

  • "*To discuss* our plans" modifies the noun "meeting room."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a meeting room *to discuss* our plans).

Discussing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Discussing the issue is necessary for finding a solution.

  Discussing the issue is necessary for finding a solution.

  • "*Discussing* the issue" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary for finding a solution).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy discussing books with my friends.

  I enjoy discussing books with my friends.

  • "*Discussing* books with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*discussing* books with my friends).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They are in favor of discussing the topic openly.

  They are in favor of discussing the topic openly.

  • "*Discussing* the topic openly" is the object of the preposition "in favor of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are) + preposition (in favor of) + gerund (*discussing* the topic openly).

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

They plan to discuss the project tomorrow.

I hope to discuss the matter with you soon.

He wants to discuss the proposal in detail.

We decided to discuss the options before making a decision.

They agreed to discuss the terms of the contract.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys discussing current events.

They recommend discussing potential solutions before making a decision.

I dislike the idea of discussing controversial topics.

He avoids discussing politics at family gatherings.

Can you imagine yourself discussing this topic on a public platform?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to discuss different perspectives. She likes discussing different perspectives.

We started to discuss the project timeline. We started discussing the project timeline.

He began to discuss the issues at hand. He began discussing the issues at hand.