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To Fy vs Fying 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 fy (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to fy in the race to improve my speed.

Fying (Gerund)

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

Example

Fying is a relaxing way to unwind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To fy (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To fy is a great way to stay active.

    To fy is a great way to stay active.

    • "*To fy*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to stay active).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to fy in the race.

    She wants me to fy in the race.

    • "Me *to fy* in the race" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to fy* in the race).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pool to fy laps.

    I need a pool to fy laps.

    • "*To fy* laps" modifies the noun "pool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pool *to fy* laps).

Fying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Fying is a wonderful form of exercise.

    Fying is a wonderful form of exercise.

    • "*Fying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a wonderful form of exercise).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy fying in the lake.

    I enjoy fying in the lake.

    • "*Fying* in the lake" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fying* in the lake).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for fying.

    She has a passion for fying.

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

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 fy in the lake tomorrow.

They hope to fy with dolphins during their vacation.

He wants to fy in the open water.

We decided to fy at the beach this weekend.

They agreed to fy in the race together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys fying in the pool every evening.

They recommend regular fying for better health.

I dislike the idea of fying in cold weather.

He avoids fying in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself fying with birds?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to fy in the ocean. She likes fying in the ocean.

We started to fy competitively. We started fying competitively.

He began to fy every morning. He began fying every morning.

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