Help center

To Swim vs Swimming 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 swim (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to swim in the race to improve my speed.

Swimming (Gerund)

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

Example

Swimming is a relaxing way to unwind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To swim (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To swim is a great way to stay active.

    To swim is a great way to stay active.

    • "*To swim*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to stay active).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to swim in the race.

    She wants me to swim in the race.

    • "Me *to swim* in the race" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to swim* in the race).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pool to swim laps.

    I need a pool to swim laps.

    • "*To swim* laps" modifies the noun "pool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pool *to swim* laps).

Swimming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Swimming is a wonderful form of exercise.

    Swimming is a wonderful form of exercise.

    • "*Swimming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a wonderful form of exercise).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy swimming in the lake.

    I enjoy swimming in the lake.

    • "*Swimming* in the lake" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*swimming* in the lake).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for swimming.

    She has a passion for swimming.

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

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 swim in the lake tomorrow.

They hope to swim with dolphins during their vacation.

He wants to swim in the open water.

We decided to swim at the beach this weekend.

They agreed to swim in the race together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys swimming in the pool every evening.

They recommend regular swimming for better health.

I dislike the idea of swimming in cold water.

He avoids swimming in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself swimming with sharks?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to swim in the ocean. She likes swimming in the ocean.

We started to swim competitively. We started swimming competitively.

He began to swim every morning. He began swimming every morning.

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!