Help center

To Drive vs Driving 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 drive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to drive a fast car.

Driving (Gerund)

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

Example

Driving can be stressful in heavy traffic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To drive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To drive is a valuable skill.

    To drive is a valuable skill.

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

    She wants me to drive her to the airport.

    She wants me to drive her to the airport.

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

    I need a reliable car to drive to work.

    I need a reliable car to drive to work.

    • "*To drive* to work" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable car *to drive* to work).

Driving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Driving requires focus and attention.

    Driving requires focus and attention.

    • "*Driving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (focus and attention).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy driving long distances.

    I enjoy driving long distances.

    • "*Driving* long distances" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*driving* long distances).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of driving on highways.

    She has a fear of driving on highways.

    • "Of *driving* on highways" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *driving* on highways).

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

He plans to drive across the country next summer.

They hope to drive a convertible during their vacation.

She wants to drive a luxury car.

We decided to drive to the beach this weekend.

They agreed to drive together to the party.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys driving fast cars.

They recommend defensive driving for safety.

I dislike the idea of driving in heavy rain.

She avoids driving during rush hour.

Can you imagine yourself driving a race car?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to drive with the windows down. I like driving with the windows down.

They started to drive at a young age. They started driving at a young age.

He began to drive professionally. He began driving professionally.

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!