To Fix vs Fixing 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 fix (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to fix my car because it won't start.

Fixing (Gerund)

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

Example

Fixing things is one of his hobbies.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fix (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To fix the problem, we need to find the source of the issue.

  To fix the problem, we need to find the source of the issue.

  • "*To fix* the problem" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (need) + noun phrase (*to fix* the problem).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to fix her computer.

  She wants me to fix her computer.

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

  He needs a toolbox to fix the broken chair.

  He needs a toolbox to fix the broken chair.

  • "*To fix* the broken chair" modifies the noun "toolbox."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a toolbox *to fix* the broken chair).

Fixing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Fixing cars requires a good understanding of mechanics.

  Fixing cars requires a good understanding of mechanics.

  • "*Fixing* cars" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a good understanding of mechanics).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy fixing puzzles in my free time.

  I enjoy fixing puzzles in my free time.

  • "*Fixing* puzzles in my free time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fixing* puzzles in my free time).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for fixing electronics.

  He has a talent for fixing electronics.

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

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

• decide
• attempt
• refuse
• hope
• manage

Example

We decided to fix the leaky faucet ourselves.

He attempted to fix the broken window, but it was beyond repair.

They refused to fix the faulty wiring in the house.

I hope to fix the relationship with my friend.

She managed to fix the broken necklace.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys fixing bicycles as a hobby.

They recommend regular fixing of household appliances to prevent breakdowns.

I avoid fixing plumbing issues myself and call a professional instead.

We are considering fixing up our old house.

Can you imagine yourself fixing a leaky roof?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to fix things around the house. He likes fixing things around the house.

They started to fix their broken relationship. They started fixing their broken relationship.

She began to fix her broken phone. She began fixing her broken phone.