To Fixate vs Fixating 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 fixate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fixate on the details to ensure accuracy.

Fixating (Gerund)

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

Example

Fixating on past mistakes won't help you move forward.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fixate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To fixate on one thing can be detrimental to your overall well-being.

  To fixate on one thing can be detrimental to your overall well-being.

  • "*To fixate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (detrimental to your overall well-being).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to fixate on the problem at hand.

  She wants me to fixate on the problem at hand.

  • "Me *to fixate* on the problem at hand" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to fixate* on the problem at hand).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a quiet environment to fixate on my work.

  I need a quiet environment to fixate on my work.

  • "*To fixate* on my work" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to fixate* on my work).

Fixating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Fixating on negative thoughts can lead to anxiety and stress.

  Fixating on negative thoughts can lead to anxiety and stress.

  • "*Fixating*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead) + prepositional phrase (to anxiety and stress).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy fixating on the details of a painting.

  I enjoy fixating on the details of a painting.

  • "*Fixating* on the details of a painting" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fixating* on the details of a painting).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a habit of fixating on trivial matters.

  He has a habit of fixating on trivial matters.

  • "Of *fixating* on trivial matters" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *fixating* on trivial matters).

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 fixate on his studies for the upcoming exam.

They hope to fixate on their goals and achieve success.

She wants to fixate on the important details of the project.

We decided to fixate on finding a solution to the problem.

They agreed to fixate on improving their communication skills.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys fixating on the beauty of nature.

They recommend avoiding fixating on things beyond your control.

I dislike the idea of fixating on negative experiences.

He avoids fixating on the mistakes of others.

Can you imagine yourself fixating on a single thought for hours?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to fixate on the smallest details. She likes fixating on the smallest details.

We started to fixate on our personal development. We started fixating on our personal development.

He began to fixate on his career goals. He began fixating on his career goals.