To Execute vs Executing 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 execute (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to execute the plan flawlessly.

Executing (Gerund)

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

Example

Executing the task requires attention to detail.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To execute (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To execute a successful project requires careful planning and coordination.

  To execute a successful project requires careful planning and coordination.

  • "*To execute* a successful project" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and coordination).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to execute the task with precision.

  She wants me to execute the task with precision.

  • "Me *to execute* the task with precision" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to execute* the task with precision).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a skilled team to execute the project effectively.

  We need a skilled team to execute the project effectively.

  • "*To execute* the project effectively" modifies the noun "team."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a skilled team *to execute* the project effectively).

Executing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Executing the plan is crucial for the project's success.

  Executing the plan is crucial for the project's success.

  • "*Executing* the plan" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for the project's success).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy executing complex projects.

  I enjoy executing complex projects.

  • "*Executing* complex projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*executing* complex projects).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for executing tasks efficiently.

  He has a talent for executing tasks efficiently.

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

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

They plan to execute the strategy next week.

I hope to execute my plan successfully.

He wants to execute the plan without any errors.

We decided to execute the plan immediately.

They agreed to execute the contract as per the terms.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys executing challenging assignments.

They recommend executing the plan step by step.

I dislike the idea of executing repetitive tasks.

He avoids executing tasks without proper instructions.

Can you imagine yourself executing a flawless performance?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

We like to execute our plans with precision. We like executing complex projects.

She started to execute her ideas creatively. She started executing her ideas creatively.

They began to execute the project diligently. They began executing the project diligently.