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To Escort vs Escorting 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 escort (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to escort my sister to the party.

Escorting (Gerund)

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

Example

Escorting is a responsible job that requires attention to detail.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To escort (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To escort someone is a sign of respect.

    To escort someone is a sign of respect.

    • "*To escort* someone" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of respect).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to escort her to the airport.

    She wants me to escort her to the airport.

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

    I need a security guard to escort me to the event.

    I need a security guard to escort me to the event.

    • "*To escort* me to the event" modifies the noun "security guard."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a security guard *to escort* me to the event).

Escorting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Escorting requires good communication skills.

    Escorting requires good communication skills.

    • "*Escorting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (good communication skills).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy escorting guests at the hotel.

    I enjoy escorting guests at the hotel.

    • "*Escorting* guests at the hotel" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*escorting* guests at the hotel).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for escorting important people.

    She has a talent for escorting important people.

    • "For *escorting* important people" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *escorting* important people).

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 escort her guests to their seats at the wedding.

They hope to escort the VIPs during the conference.

He wants to escort his team to the championship.

We decided to escort the dignitaries to the ceremony.

They agreed to escort the celebrities on the red carpet.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys escorting tourists on city tours.

They recommend professional training for escorting services.

I dislike the idea of escorting strangers at night.

He avoids escorting individuals with aggressive behavior.

Can you imagine yourself escorting high-profile clients?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to escort important guests at the hotel. She likes escorting important guests at the hotel.

We started to escort elderly people in our community. We started escorting elderly people in our community.

He began to escort diplomats during official events. He began escorting diplomats during official events.

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