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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 blood can save lives.

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 to the cause.

    She wants me to donate money to the cause.

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

    We need a box to donate our books.

    We need a box to donate our books.

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

Donating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Donating is a noble act of giving.

    Donating is a noble act of giving.

    • "*Donating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble act of giving).
  • 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

    They have a passion for donating to animal shelters.

    They have a passion for donating to animal shelters.

    • "For *donating* to animal shelters" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *donating* to animal shelters).

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 donate their time to help the community.

He hopes to donate blood regularly.

She wants to donate her organs after death.

We decided to donate a portion of our income to charity.

They agreed to donate their old furniture to a shelter.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys donating her old clothes to those in need.

Doctors recommend regular donating of blood for better health.

I dislike the idea of donating to dishonest charities.

He avoids donating to organizations with questionable practices.

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

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to donate money to charity. She likes donating money to charity.

We started to donate regularly. We started donating regularly.

He began to donate his belongings to those in need. He began donating his belongings to those in need.

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