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To Fly vs Flying Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 fly (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fly in a hot air balloon.

Flying (Gerund)

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

Example

Flying is an exhilarating experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fly (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fly is a dream for many people.

    To fly is a dream for many people.

    • "*To fly*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a dream for many people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fly her to the beach.

    She wants me to fly her to the beach.

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

    I need a pilot to fly the plane.

    I need a pilot to fly the plane.

    • "*To fly* the plane" modifies the noun "pilot."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pilot *to fly* the plane).

Flying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Flying requires skill and concentration.

    Flying requires skill and concentration.

    • "*Flying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and concentration).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy flying in small planes.

    I enjoy flying in small planes.

    • "*Flying* in small planes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*flying* in small planes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of flying.

    He has a fear of flying.

    • "Of *flying*" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *flying*).

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

They plan to fly to Europe next summer.

We hope to fly in a private jet one day.

He wants to fly solo around the world.

She decided to fly to the conference instead of driving.

They agreed to fly together on the same flight.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys flying kites on windy days.

They recommend flying lessons for aspiring pilots.

I dislike the feeling of flying in turbulent weather.

He avoids flying during peak travel seasons.

Can you imagine yourself flying a helicopter?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to fly in small propeller planes. I like flying in small propeller planes.

She started to fly drones as a hobby. She started flying drones as a hobby.

We began to fly model airplanes. We began flying model airplanes.

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