Help center

To Follow vs Following 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 follow (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to follow my dreams and pursue a career in music.

Following (Gerund)

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

Example

Following your dreams can lead to great success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To follow (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To follow your passion is important for personal fulfillment.

    To follow your passion is important for personal fulfillment.

    • "*To follow* your passion" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for personal fulfillment).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to follow her advice.

    She wants me to follow her advice.

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

    I need a mentor to follow in my career.

    I need a mentor to follow in my career.

    • "*To follow* in my career" modifies the noun "mentor."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mentor *to follow* in my career).

Following (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Following your intuition is often a wise choice.

    Following your intuition is often a wise choice.

    • "*Following* your intuition" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adverb phrase (often a wise choice).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy following new trends in fashion.

    I enjoy following new trends in fashion.

    • "*Following* new trends in fashion" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*following* new trends in fashion).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a knack for following instructions.

    She has a knack for following instructions.

    • "For *following* instructions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *following* instructions).

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

He plans to follow his dreams and travel the world.

We hope to follow our passion and make a difference.

They want to follow their instincts and take risks.

She decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in art.

We agreed to follow their lead and support their decisions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys following his favorite sports teams.

They recommend following a healthy diet for better nutrition.

I dislike the idea of following strict rules and regulations.

She avoids following negative influences in her life.

Can you imagine yourself following your dreams and achieving success?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to follow their own path in life. They like following their own path in life.

I started to follow a new workout routine. I started following a new workout routine.

She began to follow a new set of principles. She began following a new set of principles.

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!