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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 at the restaurant.

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 food 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 with her at the party.

    She wants me to eat with her at the party.

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

    I need a plate to eat my dinner.

    I need a plate to eat my dinner.

    • "*To eat* my dinner" modifies the noun "plate."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plate *to eat* my dinner).

Eating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Eating is a necessary activity for survival.

    Eating is a necessary activity for survival.

    • "*Eating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary activity for survival).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy eating ice cream on hot summer days.

    I enjoy eating ice cream on hot summer days.

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

    She has a passion for eating exotic cuisine.

    She has a passion for eating exotic cuisine.

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

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 eat at the new restaurant in town.

They offered to eat at their house for dinner.

He wants to eat pizza for lunch.

She plans to eat sushi for dinner tomorrow.

They hope to eat at their favorite restaurant tonight.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys eating at fancy restaurants.

They recommend eating a balanced diet for good health.

He avoids eating junk food for better nutrition.

I am considering eating a vegetarian diet.

Do you mind eating spicy food?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to eat chocolate cake. She likes eating chocolate cake.

We started to eat healthier meals. We started eating healthier meals.

He prefers to eat at home. He prefers eating at home.

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