To Exist vs Existing 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 exist (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to exist in a world where everyone is treated equally.

Existing (Gerund)

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

Example

Existing in harmony with nature is essential for our survival.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exist (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To exist is a fundamental aspect of life.

  To exist is a fundamental aspect of life.

  • "*To exist*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental aspect of life).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to exist in her life.

  She wants me to exist in her life.

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

  I need a purpose to exist.

  I need a purpose to exist.

  • "*To exist*" modifies the noun "purpose."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a purpose *to exist*).

Existing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Existing in harmony with nature requires conscious effort.

  Existing in harmony with nature requires conscious effort.

  • "*Existing* in harmony with nature" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (conscious effort).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy existing in this peaceful environment.

  I enjoy existing in this peaceful environment.

  • "*Existing* in this peaceful environment" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*existing* in this peaceful environment).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of existing in isolation.

  She has a fear of existing in isolation.

  • "Of *existing* in isolation" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *existing* in isolation).

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

• hope
• want
• refuse
• attempt
• decide

Example

They hope to exist in a world without discrimination.

He wants to exist in a peaceful society.

We refuse to exist under oppressive conditions.

I attempted to exist independently.

She decided to exist on her own terms.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• recommend

Example

She enjoys existing in the present moment.

He avoids existing in toxic relationships.

Can you imagine yourself existing in a utopian society?

They consider existing in harmony with nature as their priority.

Experts recommend existing sustainably for a better future.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to exist in a world filled with compassion. She likes existing in a world filled with compassion.

We started to exist with a purpose. We started existing with a purpose.

He began to exist in a new reality. He began existing in a new reality.