Help center

To Get vs Getting 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 get (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to get a promotion at work.

Getting (Gerund)

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

Example

Getting enough sleep is important for your health.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To get (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To get a good grade, you need to study hard.

    To get a good grade, you need to study hard.

    • "*To get*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good grade).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to get her a gift for her birthday.

    She wants me to get her a gift for her birthday.

    • "Me *to get* her a gift for her birthday" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to get* her a gift for her birthday).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a new car to get to work.

    I need a new car to get to work.

    • "*To get* to work" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new car *to get* to work).

Getting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Getting regular exercise can improve your mood.

    Getting regular exercise can improve your mood.

    • "*Getting* regular exercise" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can improve) + noun phrase (your mood).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy getting massages to relax.

    I enjoy getting massages to relax.

    • "*Getting* massages to relax" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*getting* massages to relax).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of getting lost.

    She has a fear of getting lost.

    • "Of *getting* lost" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *getting* lost).

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 get a promotion this year.

They hope to get tickets to the concert.

He wants to get a raise at his job.

We decided to get a new puppy.

They agreed to get matching tattoos.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys getting together with friends.

They recommend getting regular check-ups for preventive care.

I dislike the idea of getting up early.

He avoids getting caught in traffic.

Can you imagine yourself getting a promotion?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to get things done quickly. She likes getting things done quickly.

We started to get more involved in community service. We started getting more involved in community service.

He began to get up early for morning runs. He began getting up early for morning runs.

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!