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To Enjoy vs Enjoying 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 enjoy (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to enjoy my vacation by swimming in the ocean.

Enjoying (Gerund)

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

Example

Enjoying the sunset is a magical experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To enjoy (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To enjoy is important for a happy life.

    To enjoy is important for a happy life.

    • "*To enjoy*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for a happy life).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to enjoy the party.

    She wants me to enjoy the party.

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

    I need a comfortable chair to enjoy reading.

    I need a comfortable chair to enjoy reading.

    • "*To enjoy* reading" modifies the noun "chair."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to enjoy* reading).

Enjoying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Enjoying nature brings me joy.

    Enjoying nature brings me joy.

    • "*Enjoying* nature" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (me joy).
  • 2Object

    I love enjoying a good book.

    I love enjoying a good book.

    • "*Enjoying* a good book" is the object of the verb "love."
    • Noun (I) + verb (love) + gerund (*enjoying* a good book).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for enjoying music.

    She has a passion for enjoying music.

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

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 enjoy her weekend by going hiking.

They hope to enjoy the concert tonight.

He wants to enjoy a peaceful evening at home.

We decided to enjoy a nice dinner at the restaurant.

They agreed to enjoy a day at the beach together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes enjoying long walks in the park.

We started enjoying cooking together as a hobby.

He began enjoying photography after taking a class.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. She likes enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.

We started to enjoy outdoor activities. We started enjoying outdoor activities.

He began to enjoy spending time with his family. He began enjoying spending time with his family.

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