Help center

To Do vs Doing 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 do (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to do my homework before dinner.

Doing (Gerund)

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

Example

Doing yoga helps reduce stress.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To do (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To do your best is all that matters.

    To do your best is all that matters.

    • "*To do* your best" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (all that matters).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to do the dishes.

    She wants me to do the dishes.

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

    He needs a computer to do his work.

    He needs a computer to do his work.

    • "*To do* his work" modifies the noun "computer."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a computer *to do* his work).

Doing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Doing exercise regularly is important for your health.

    Doing exercise regularly is important for your health.

    • "*Doing* exercise regularly" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for your health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy doing puzzles in my free time.

    I enjoy doing puzzles in my free time.

    • "*Doing* puzzles in my free time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*doing* puzzles in my free time).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for doing charity work.

    She has a passion for doing charity work.

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

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 do their laundry this weekend.

I hope to do well on the exam.

We want to do something fun this weekend.

She decided to do the project on her own.

They agreed to do the task together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys doing outdoor activities in nature.

Doctors recommend doing regular exercise for better health.

She dislikes doing household chores.

They avoid doing strenuous activities in hot weather.

Can you imagine yourself doing skydiving?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to do puzzles in my free time. I like doing puzzles in my free time.

He started to do yoga for relaxation. He started doing yoga for relaxation.

We began to do our homework after school. We began doing our homework after school.

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!