Help center

To Encounter vs Encountering 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 encounter (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to encounter new challenges in my career.

Encountering (Gerund)

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

Example

Encountering different cultures broadens your horizons.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To encounter (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To encounter new experiences is always exciting.

    To encounter new experiences is always exciting.

    • "*To encounter* new experiences" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (always exciting).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to encounter different cultures while traveling.

    She wants me to encounter different cultures while traveling.

    • "Me *to encounter* different cultures while traveling" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to encounter* different cultures while traveling).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a job to encounter new challenges.

    I need a job to encounter new challenges.

    • "*To encounter* new challenges" modifies the noun "job."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a job *to encounter* new challenges).

Encountering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Encountering challenges helps you grow as a person.

    Encountering challenges helps you grow as a person.

    • "*Encountering* challenges" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (you grow as a person).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy encountering new places when I travel.

    I enjoy encountering new places when I travel.

    • "*Encountering* new places when I travel" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*encountering* new places when I travel).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for encountering different cultures.

    She has a passion for encountering different cultures.

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

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 encounter new people at the networking event.

They hope to encounter success in their business venture.

He wants to encounter different viewpoints and perspectives.

We decided to encounter new opportunities abroad.

They agreed to encounter difficulties along the way.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys encountering new people and making connections.

They recommend encountering diverse perspectives for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of encountering difficult situations.

He avoids encountering conflicts in his relationships.

Can you imagine yourself encountering different customs and traditions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to encounter new challenges in her work. She likes encountering new challenges in her work.

We started to encounter unexpected obstacles on our journey. We started encountering unexpected obstacles on our journey.

He began to encounter resistance to his ideas. He began encountering resistance to his ideas.

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!