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

We need to discuss the issue at our next meeting.

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 solutions.

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 proposal with her.

  She wants me to discuss the proposal with her.

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

  We need a quiet room to discuss sensitive matters.

  We need a quiet room to discuss sensitive matters.

  • "*To discuss* sensitive matters" modifies the noun "room."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet room *to discuss* sensitive matters).

Discussing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Discussing various ideas is essential in brainstorming sessions.

  Discussing various ideas is essential in brainstorming sessions.

  • "*Discussing* various ideas" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential in brainstorming sessions).
• 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

  She has a passion for discussing social issues.

  She has a passion for discussing social issues.

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

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 this topic in the meeting.

He wants to discuss the details with you.

We decided to discuss the options before making a decision.

They agreed to discuss the matter further.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

They recommend discussing the problem openly.

He avoids discussing controversial topics.

Can you imagine discussing this topic on a global platform?

We are considering discussing the matter in the next meeting.

Do you mind discussing this issue with others?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to discuss current events. She likes discussing current events.

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

He began to discuss his ideas with the team. He began discussing his ideas with the team.