To Find vs Finding 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 find (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to find a solution to this problem.

Finding (Gerund)

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

Example

Finding the right words can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To find (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To find the answer, you must first ask the right question.

  To find the answer, you must first ask the right question.

  • "*To find* the answer" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (must) + adverb (first) + verb (ask) + noun phrase (the right question).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to find her lost keys.

  She wants me to find her lost keys.

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

  I need a magnifying glass to find small details.

  I need a magnifying glass to find small details.

  • "*To find* small details" modifies the noun "magnifying glass."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a magnifying glass *to find* small details).

Finding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Finding a parking spot downtown is always difficult.

  Finding a parking spot downtown is always difficult.

  • "*Finding* a parking spot downtown" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adverb (always) + adjective (difficult).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy finding new recipes to try.

  I enjoy finding new recipes to try.

  • "*Finding* new recipes to try" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*finding* new recipes to try).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for finding hidden treasures.

  He has a talent for finding hidden treasures.

  • "For *finding* hidden treasures" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *finding* hidden treasures).

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

• agree
• decide
• hope
• want
• attempt

Example

They agreed to find a compromise.

We decided to find a new restaurant for dinner.

He hopes to find a job in his field.

She wants to find a good book to read.

I attempted to find a solution to the problem.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

She enjoys finding unique gifts for her friends.

They recommend finding a mentor in your chosen field.

I avoid finding excuses for not doing my work.

Can you imagine finding a treasure chest buried in your backyard?

We are considering finding a new place to live.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to find new places to explore. I like finding new places to explore.

He started to find ways to improve his skills. He started finding ways to improve his skills.

We began to find solutions to the problem. We began finding solutions to the problem.