Help center

To Fly vs Flying 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 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 Paris.

    She wants me to fly her to Paris.

    • "Me *to fly* her to Paris" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to fly* her to Paris).
  • 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 focus and skill.

    Flying requires focus and skill.

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

    She has a passion for flying helicopters.

    She has a passion for flying helicopters.

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

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 fly to New York next week.

They hope to fly first class on their vacation.

He wants to fly a helicopter.

We decided to fly to Europe for our honeymoon.

They agreed to fly together for the business meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys flying drones in her free time.

They recommend flying lessons for aspiring pilots.

I dislike the idea of flying in turbulent weather.

He avoids flying during peak travel seasons.

Can you imagine yourself flying a private jet?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fly in the sky. She likes flying in the sky.

We started to fly remote-controlled airplanes. We started flying remote-controlled airplanes.

He began to fly helicopters at a young age. He began flying helicopters at a young age.

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!