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To Donate vs Donating 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 donate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to donate my old clothes to charity.

Donating (Gerund)

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

Example

Donating is a great way to make a difference in someone's life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To donate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To donate is a selfless act of giving.

    To donate is a selfless act of giving.

    • "*To donate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a selfless act of giving).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to donate money for a good cause.

    She wants me to donate money for a good cause.

    • "Me *to donate* money for a good cause" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to donate* money for a good cause).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a box to donate my old books.

    I need a box to donate my old books.

    • "*To donate* my old books" modifies the noun "box."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a box *to donate* my old books).

Donating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Donating can bring joy to those in need.

    Donating can bring joy to those in need.

    • "*Donating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can bring) + noun phrase (joy to those in need).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy donating my time to volunteer work.

    I enjoy donating my time to volunteer work.

    • "*Donating* my time to volunteer work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*donating* my time to volunteer work).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for donating to various charities.

    She has a passion for donating to various charities.

    • "For *donating* to various charities" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *donating* to various charities).

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

We decided to donate our time to a local shelter.

They hope to donate their earnings to a charity.

He wants to donate his blood to help others.

We plan to donate food to the homeless shelter.

She refuses to donate any more money to that organization.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys donating money to animal shelters.

They recommend regular donating for a better society.

He avoids donating to organizations with questionable practices.

Can you imagine yourself donating your time to a worthy cause?

We are considering donating our old furniture to a charity.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to donate to children's hospitals. She likes donating to children's hospitals.

We started to donate regularly to the food bank. We started donating regularly to the food bank.

He began to donate his time to a local community center. He began donating his time to a local community center.

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