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To Explain vs Explaining 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 explain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to explain the concept to you.

Explaining (Gerund)

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

Example

Explaining complex ideas can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To explain (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To explain requires clear communication skills.

    To explain requires clear communication skills.

    • "*To explain*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (clear communication skills).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to explain the procedure to her.

    She wants me to explain the procedure to her.

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

    He needs a diagram to explain the process.

    He needs a diagram to explain the process.

    • "*To explain* the process" modifies the noun "diagram."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a diagram *to explain* the process).

Explaining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Explaining requires good communication skills.

    Explaining requires good communication skills.

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

    I enjoy explaining scientific concepts to others.

    I enjoy explaining scientific concepts to others.

    • "*Explaining* scientific concepts to others" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*explaining* scientific concepts to others).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for explaining difficult concepts.

    She has a talent for explaining difficult concepts.

    • "For *explaining* difficult concepts" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *explaining* difficult concepts).

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 will try to explain the problem to the customer.

Can you help me to explain this concept to the class?

She refused to explain her decision to anyone.

He would like to explain his theory in more detail.

We want you to explain your reasoning for the decision.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I recommend explaining the process step by step.

They avoid explaining their strategies to competitors.

We are considering explaining the benefits of the new product.

Do you mind explaining the rules to the new player?

He postponed explaining the project until the next meeting.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I prefer to explain things in person. I prefer explaining things in person.

They started to explain the concept from scratch. They started explaining the concept from scratch.

She continues to explain the process to the team. She continues explaining the process to the team.

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