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To Fast vs Fasting 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 fast (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fast for spiritual reasons.

Fasting (Gerund)

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

Example

Fasting can be a challenging experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fast (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fast is a common practice during Ramadan.

    To fast is a common practice during Ramadan.

    • "*To fast*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice during Ramadan).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fast with her.

    She wants me to fast with her.

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

    I need a quiet space to fast in.

    I need a quiet space to fast in.

    • "*To fast* in" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet space *to fast* in).

Fasting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Fasting requires discipline and self-control.

    Fasting requires discipline and self-control.

    • "*Fasting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (discipline and self-control).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy fasting for clarity of mind.

    I enjoy fasting for clarity of mind.

    • "*Fasting* for clarity of mind" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fasting* for clarity of mind).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a schedule for fasting.

    She has a schedule for fasting.

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

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 decided to fast for a week to cleanse their bodies.

We plan to fast together for a religious observance.

He hopes to fast for a spiritual breakthrough.

She refused to fast due to health reasons.

They want to fast for weight loss.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Doctors recommend intermittent fasting for better health.

He avoids fasting for long periods of time.

We are considering fasting as part of our religious practice.

I don't mind fasting during religious holidays.

They practice fasting regularly for spiritual growth.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fast for mental clarity. She likes fasting for mental clarity.

We began to fast for health reasons. We began fasting for health reasons.

He continues to fast every Monday. He continues fasting every Monday.

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