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To Encourage vs Encouraging 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 encourage (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to encourage my students to pursue their dreams.

Encouraging (Gerund)

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

Example

Encouraging others can have a positive impact on their lives.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To encourage (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To encourage is an important role of a teacher.

    To encourage is an important role of a teacher.

    • "*To encourage*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important role of a teacher).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to encourage her in her artistic endeavors.

    She wants me to encourage her in her artistic endeavors.

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

    I need some motivation to encourage myself to study.

    I need some motivation to encourage myself to study.

    • "*To encourage* myself to study" modifies the noun "motivation."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (some motivation *to encourage* myself to study).

Encouraging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Encouraging others is a selfless act.

    Encouraging others is a selfless act.

    • "*Encouraging* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a selfless act).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy encouraging my friends to pursue their passions.

    I enjoy encouraging my friends to pursue their passions.

    • "*Encouraging* my friends to pursue their passions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*encouraging* my friends to pursue their passions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for encouraging others.

    He has a talent for encouraging others.

    • "For *encouraging* others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *encouraging* others).

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 encourage his employees to take on new challenges.

They hope to encourage more people to recycle their waste.

She wants to encourage her children to explore different hobbies.

We decided to encourage teamwork among our colleagues.

They agreed to encourage creativity in the workplace.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys encouraging her team to achieve their goals.

They recommend encouraging open communication in relationships.

I dislike the idea of encouraging unhealthy habits.

He avoids encouraging negative behavior in his children.

Can you imagine yourself encouraging a crowd with your speech?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to encourage others to believe in themselves. I like encouraging others to believe in themselves.

We started to encourage community service projects. We started encouraging community service projects.

He began to encourage his employees to take initiative. He began encouraging his employees to take initiative.

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