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To Give vs Giving 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 give (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to give you a gift for your birthday.

Giving (Gerund)

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

Example

Giving is an act of kindness.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To give (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To give is better than to receive.

    To give is better than to receive.

    • "*To give*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (better than).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to give her a ride to the airport.

    She wants me to give her a ride to the airport.

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

    I need a reason to give him the money.

    I need a reason to give him the money.

    • "*To give* him the money" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to give* him the money).

Giving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Giving makes me feel good.

    Giving makes me feel good.

    • "*Giving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (makes) + pronoun (me) + adjective (good).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy giving presents to my friends.

    I enjoy giving presents to my friends.

    • "*Giving* presents to my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*giving* presents to my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for giving advice.

    She has a talent for giving advice.

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

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 give her a surprise party.

We hope to give back to the community through volunteering.

They want to give their time to help others.

I decided to give up my seat for someone in need.

They agreed to give a donation to the charity.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys giving back to the community through volunteer work.

They recommend giving to charity for a good cause.

She dislikes giving presentations in front of large audiences.

I avoid giving false information to avoid confusion.

Can you imagine giving a speech to thousands of people?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to give gifts to their loved ones. They like giving gifts to their loved ones.

She started to give piano lessons. She started giving piano lessons.

He began to give his time to volunteer at the local shelter. He began giving his time to volunteer at the local shelter.

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