To Fulfill vs Fulfilling 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 fulfill (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fulfill my dreams and aspirations.

Fulfilling (Gerund)

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

Example

Fulfilling your dreams requires perseverance and hard work.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fulfill (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To fulfill your potential is important for personal growth.

  To fulfill your potential is important for personal growth.

  • "*To fulfill* your potential" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for personal growth).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to fulfill her expectations.

  She wants me to fulfill her expectations.

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

  I need a purpose to fulfill in my life.

  I need a purpose to fulfill in my life.

  • "*To fulfill* in my life" modifies the noun "purpose."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a purpose *to fulfill* in my life).

Fulfilling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Fulfilling your goals can bring a sense of accomplishment.

  Fulfilling your goals can bring a sense of accomplishment.

  • "*Fulfilling* your goals" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can bring) + noun phrase (a sense of accomplishment).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy fulfilling my passions through creative pursuits.

  I enjoy fulfilling my passions through creative pursuits.

  • "*Fulfilling* my passions through creative pursuits" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fulfilling* my passions through creative pursuits).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for fulfilling other people's needs.

  She has a talent for fulfilling other people's needs.

  • "For *fulfilling* other people's needs" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *fulfilling* other people's needs).

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

She plans to fulfill her dreams by working hard.

They hope to fulfill their ambitions through education.

He wants to fulfill his potential and make a difference.

We decided to fulfill our goals no matter what.

They agreed to fulfill their responsibilities with dedication.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys fulfilling her dreams and aspirations.

They recommend fulfilling your potential for personal satisfaction.

I dislike the feeling of not fulfilling my goals.

He avoids fulfilling other people's expectations.

Can you imagine the joy of fulfilling your lifelong dreams?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to fulfill her responsibilities. She likes fulfilling her responsibilities.

We started to fulfill our dreams together. We started fulfilling our dreams together.

He began to fulfill his potential at a young age. He began fulfilling his potential at a young age.