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To Fall vs Falling 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 fall (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fall in love with someone who makes me happy.

Falling (Gerund)

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

Example

Falling leaves are a sign of autumn.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fall (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fall is a natural response to gravity.

    To fall is a natural response to gravity.

    • "*To fall*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural response to gravity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fall for her charm.

    She wants me to fall for her charm.

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

    I need a soft cushion to fall on.

    I need a soft cushion to fall on.

    • "*To fall* on" modifies the noun "cushion."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft cushion *to fall* on).

Falling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Falling in love can be both exciting and scary.

    Falling in love can be both exciting and scary.

    • "*Falling* in love" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (both exciting and scary).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy falling asleep to the sound of rain.

    I enjoy falling asleep to the sound of rain.

    • "*Falling* asleep to the sound of rain" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*falling* asleep to the sound of rain).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of falling.

    She has a fear of falling.

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

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 hope to fall asleep quickly tonight.

He wants to fall in love with someone special.

We decided to fall for the trap.

They agreed to fall in line with the new regulations.

She pretends to fall down when she wants attention.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys falling leaves in the autumn.

They recommend falling in love with someone who shares your values.

He avoids falling into bad habits.

Can you imagine falling from a high building?

I like falling raindrops on my face.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fall asleep to relaxing music. She likes falling asleep to relaxing music.

We started to fall behind schedule. We started falling behind schedule.

He began to fall in love with her. He began falling in love with her.

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