To Function vs Functioning 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 function (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to function at my best during the presentation.

Functioning (Gerund)

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

Example

Functioning well is essential for the success of any organization.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To function (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To function properly, the machine needs regular maintenance.

  To function properly, the machine needs regular maintenance.

  • "*To function* properly" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (regular maintenance).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to function as the team leader.

  She wants me to function as the team leader.

  • "Me *to function* as the team leader" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to function* as the team leader).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a good night's sleep to function effectively.

  I need a good night's sleep to function effectively.

  • "*To function* effectively" modifies the noun phrase "a good night's sleep."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good night's sleep *to function* effectively).

Functioning (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Functioning as a team is crucial for completing the project.

  Functioning as a team is crucial for completing the project.

  • "*Functioning* as a team" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for completing the project).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy functioning in a fast-paced work environment.

  I enjoy functioning in a fast-paced work environment.

  • "*Functioning* in a fast-paced work environment" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*functioning* in a fast-paced work environment).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for functioning under pressure.

  She has a talent for functioning under pressure.

  • "For *functioning* under pressure" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *functioning* under pressure).

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 function as the project manager next year.

They hope to function without any technical issues during the event.

He wants to function at a higher level in his career.

We decided to function as a cohesive team to achieve our goals.

They agreed to function collaboratively on the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys functioning as part of a team.

They recommend regular exercise for better functioning of the body.

I dislike the idea of functioning in a disorganized work environment.

He avoids functioning in high-stress situations.

Can you imagine yourself functioning in a leadership role?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to function in a structured work environment. She likes functioning in a structured work environment.

We started to function as a cohesive team. We started functioning as a cohesive team.

He began to function effectively after receiving proper training. He began functioning effectively after receiving proper training.