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To Eat vs Eating 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 eat (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to eat a delicious meal.

Eating (Gerund)

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

Example

Eating healthy is important for maintaining a balanced diet.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To eat (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To eat is a basic human need.

    To eat is a basic human need.

    • "*To eat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to eat at the new restaurant.

    She wants me to eat at the new restaurant.

    • "Me *to eat* at the new restaurant" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to eat* at the new restaurant).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a fork to eat spaghetti.

    I need a fork to eat spaghetti.

    • "*To eat* spaghetti" modifies the noun "fork."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fork *to eat* spaghetti).

Eating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Eating too much can lead to weight gain.

    Eating too much can lead to weight gain.

    • "*Eating* too much" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (weight gain).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy eating ice cream on a hot day.

    I enjoy eating ice cream on a hot day.

    • "*Eating* ice cream on a hot day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*eating* ice cream on a hot day).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for eating exotic foods.

    She has a passion for eating exotic foods.

    • "For *eating* exotic foods" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *eating* exotic foods).

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 eat at the fancy restaurant tomorrow.

They hope to eat sushi during their vacation.

He wants to eat a burger for lunch.

We decided to eat at the Italian restaurant this weekend.

They agreed to eat pizza for dinner together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys eating fruits and vegetables every day.

They recommend regular eating of whole grains for a healthy diet.

I dislike the idea of eating spicy food.

He avoids eating fast food for better health.

Can you imagine yourself eating insects as a delicacy?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to eat at her favorite restaurant. She likes eating at her favorite restaurant.

We started to eat a vegan diet. We started eating a vegan diet.

He began to eat healthier meals. He began eating healthier meals.

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