To Endure vs Enduring Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To endure (Infinitive)

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

Example

I can't bear to endure this pain anymore.

Enduring (Gerund)

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

Example

Enduring difficult times can make us stronger.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To endure (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To endure is a test of strength and resilience.

  To endure is a test of strength and resilience.

  • "*To endure*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a test of strength and resilience).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to endure the challenges that come my way.

  She wants me to endure the challenges that come my way.

  • "Me *to endure* the challenges that come my way" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to endure* the challenges that come my way).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong mindset to endure difficult situations.

  I need a strong mindset to endure difficult situations.

  • "*To endure* difficult situations" modifies the noun "mindset."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong mindset *to endure* difficult situations).

Enduring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Enduring builds character and resilience.

  Enduring builds character and resilience.

  • "*Enduring*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (builds) + noun phrase (character and resilience).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy enduring challenging tasks.

  I enjoy enduring challenging tasks.

  • "*Enduring* challenging tasks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enduring* challenging tasks).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for enduring hardships.

  She has a passion for enduring hardships.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to endure the long hours of training.

They hope to endure the tough competition in the tournament.

He wants to endure the physical pain to achieve his goal.

We decided to endure the challenges and never give up.

They agreed to endure the hardships together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys enduring new adventures.

They recommend enduring the difficulties for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of enduring extreme temperatures.

He avoids enduring uncomfortable situations.

Can you imagine yourself enduring a long journey alone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to endure challenges and prove herself. She likes enduring challenges and proving herself.

We started to endure the hardships with determination. We started enduring the hardships with determination.

He began to endure the pain and push through it. He began enduring the pain and pushing through it.