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To Distinguish vs Distinguishing 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 distinguish (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to distinguish myself from the competition.

Distinguishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Distinguishing oneself from others is important in personal branding.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To distinguish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To distinguish is a valuable skill in the business world.

    To distinguish is a valuable skill in the business world.

    • "*To distinguish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill in the business world).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to distinguish her brand from others.

    She wants me to distinguish her brand from others.

    • "Me *to distinguish* her brand from others" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to distinguish* her brand from others).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a unique selling point to distinguish my product.

    I need a unique selling point to distinguish my product.

    • "*To distinguish* my product" modifies the noun "unique selling point."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a unique selling point *to distinguish* my product).

Distinguishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Distinguishing yourself in the job market is crucial.

    Distinguishing yourself in the job market is crucial.

    • "*Distinguishing* yourself" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy distinguishing between different varieties of wine.

    I enjoy distinguishing between different varieties of wine.

    • "*Distinguishing* between different varieties of wine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*distinguishing* between different varieties of wine).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for distinguishing subtle differences.

    She has a talent for distinguishing subtle differences.

    • "For *distinguishing* subtle differences" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *distinguishing* subtle differences).

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 distinguish her brand through creative marketing strategies.

They hope to distinguish themselves by offering superior customer service.

He wants to distinguish his product from competitors' with innovative features.

We decided to distinguish our brand through a unique visual identity.

They agreed to distinguish their company by focusing on sustainability.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys distinguishing herself through unique fashion choices.

They recommend distinguishing your brand by highlighting its unique features.

I dislike the difficulty of distinguishing authentic products from counterfeit ones.

He avoids distinguishing between similar-looking species of plants.

Can you imagine the challenge of distinguishing identical twins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to distinguish herself in every project she undertakes. She likes distinguishing herself in every project she undertakes.

We started to distinguish our brand through targeted advertising campaigns. We started distinguishing our brand through targeted advertising campaigns.

He began to distinguish himself as a thought leader in his industry. He began distinguishing himself as a thought leader in his industry.

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