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To Exceed vs Exceeding 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 exceed (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to exceed my own expectations in this project.

Exceeding (Gerund)

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

Example

Exceeding expectations is always appreciated.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exceed (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To exceed is the goal of every athlete.

    To exceed is the goal of every athlete.

    • "*To exceed*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the goal of every athlete).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to exceed her performance.

    She wants me to exceed her performance.

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

    I need a strategy to exceed the competition.

    I need a strategy to exceed the competition.

    • "*To exceed* the competition" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to exceed* the competition).

Exceeding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Exceeding the limit is not allowed.

    Exceeding the limit is not allowed.

    • "*Exceeding* the limit" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not allowed).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy exceeding customer satisfaction.

    I enjoy exceeding customer satisfaction.

    • "*Exceeding* customer satisfaction" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exceeding* customer satisfaction).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a knack for exceeding expectations.

    She has a knack for exceeding expectations.

    • "For *exceeding* expectations" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *exceeding* expectations).

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 exceed his sales target for the year.

They hope to exceed their fundraising goal.

She wants to exceed her personal best record.

We decided to exceed customer expectations.

They agreed to exceed the project requirements.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys exceeding his sales targets.

They recommend exceeding customer expectations for repeat business.

I avoid exceeding the speed limit.

Can you imagine yourself exceeding your own goals?

She considers exceeding the expectations of her clients as a top priority.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to exceed my previous achievements. I like exceeding my previous achievements.

We started to exceed customer expectations. We started exceeding customer expectations.

He began to exceed his own limits. He began exceeding his own limits.

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