Help center

To Experience vs Experiencing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 experience (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to experience skydiving at least once in my life.

Experiencing (Gerund)

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

Example

Experiencing new cultures broadens our perspective.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To experience (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To experience new things is important for personal growth.

    To experience new things is important for personal growth.

    • "*To experience* new things" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to experience the thrill of bungee jumping.

    She wants me to experience the thrill of bungee jumping.

    • "Me *to experience* the thrill of bungee jumping" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to experience* the thrill of bungee jumping).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a guide to experience the local culture.

    I need a guide to experience the local culture.

    • "*To experience* the local culture" modifies the noun "guide."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to experience* the local culture).

Experiencing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Experiencing different art forms can be inspiring.

    Experiencing different art forms can be inspiring.

    • "*Experiencing* different art forms" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (inspiring).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy experiencing different types of cuisine.

    I enjoy experiencing different types of cuisine.

    • "*Experiencing* different types of cuisine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*experiencing* different types of cuisine).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for experiencing adventure sports.

    She has a passion for experiencing adventure sports.

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

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

They plan to experience scuba diving on their next vacation.

He hopes to experience a live concert soon.

We want to experience different cuisines during our trip.

She decided to experience hiking in the mountains.

They agreed to experience a road trip together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys experiencing nature through hiking.

They recommend experiencing local traditions while traveling.

She dislikes experiencing crowded places.

I avoid experiencing extreme temperatures.

Can you imagine experiencing zero gravity?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to experience different cultures. They like experiencing different cultures.

We started to experience adventure sports. We started experiencing adventure sports.

He began to experience new hobbies. He began experiencing new hobbies.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!