To Fill vs Filling 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 fill (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to fill out this form before the deadline.

Filling (Gerund)

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

Example

Filling out forms can be tedious.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fill (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To fill out the application is a time-consuming process.

  To fill out the application is a time-consuming process.

  • "*To fill* out the application" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a time-consuming process).
• 2. Object

  She asked him to fill in the blanks on the worksheet.

  She asked him to fill in the blanks on the worksheet.

  • "Him *to fill* in the blanks on the worksheet" is the object of the verb "asked."
  • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to fill* in the blanks on the worksheet).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  They need a larger container to fill all the groceries.

  They need a larger container to fill all the groceries.

  • "*To fill* all the groceries" modifies the noun "container."
  • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a larger container *to fill* all the groceries).

Filling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Filling out paperwork is necessary for the job.

  Filling out paperwork is necessary for the job.

  • "*Filling* out paperwork" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for the job).
• 2. Object

  He enjoys filling in crossword puzzles.

  He enjoys filling in crossword puzzles.

  • "*Filling* in crossword puzzles" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*filling* in crossword puzzles).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for filling in the missing details.

  She has a talent for filling in the missing details.

  • "For *filling* in the missing details" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *filling* in the missing details).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to fill up the gas tank before the trip.

We hope to fill the position by the end of the month.

She wants to fill her schedule with productive activities.

They decided to fill the room with colorful decorations.

We agreed to fill the role of team captain together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

They enjoy filling their free time with creative activities.

I recommend filling the jar with fresh flowers.

He dislikes filling out paperwork for administrative tasks.

She avoids filling her plate with unhealthy food.

Can you imagine yourself filling a blank canvas with colors?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to fill my weekends with fun activities. I like filling my weekends with fun activities.

They started to fill the boxes with books. They started filling the boxes with books.

She began to fill her notebook with important information. She began filling her notebook with important information.