Help center

To Fish vs Fishing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 fish (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fish in the river to catch some trout.

Fishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Fishing is a popular recreational activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fish requires patience and skill.

    To fish requires patience and skill.

    • "*To fish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and skill).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to fish with him.

    He wants me to fish with him.

    • "Me *to fish* with him" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to fish* with him).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a fishing rod to fish in the lake.

    I need a fishing rod to fish in the lake.

    • "*To fish* in the lake" modifies the noun "fishing rod."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fishing rod *to fish* in the lake).

Fishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Fishing can be a relaxing hobby.

    Fishing can be a relaxing hobby.

    • "*Fishing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a relaxing hobby).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy fishing in the ocean.

    I enjoy fishing in the ocean.

    • "*Fishing* in the ocean" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fishing* in the ocean).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for fishing.

    He has a passion for fishing.

    • "For *fishing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *fishing*).

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

She plans to fish in the lake tomorrow.

They hope to fish for salmon during their fishing trip.

He wants to fish in the deep sea.

We decided to fish at the river this weekend.

They agreed to fish together in the pond.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys fishing in the lake every weekend.

They recommend regular fishing for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of fishing in the rain.

He avoids fishing in polluted waters.

Can you imagine yourself fishing in a peaceful river?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fish in the lake. She likes fishing in the lake.

We started to fish competitively. We started fishing competitively.

He began to fish every morning. He began fishing every morning.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!