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To Giveth 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 giveth (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to giveth a gift to my friend.

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 generosity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To giveth (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To giveth is a noble act of kindness.

    To giveth is a noble act of kindness.

    • "*To giveth*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble act of kindness).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to giveth her a book.

    She wants me to giveth her a book.

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

    I need a reason to giveth my support.

    I need a reason to giveth my support.

    • "*To giveth* my support" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to giveth* my support).

Giving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Giving brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

    Giving brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

    • "*Giving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (joy to both the giver and the receiver).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy giving presents to my loved ones.

    I enjoy giving presents to my loved ones.

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

    She has a passion for giving back to the community.

    She has a passion for giving back to the community.

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

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 giveth him a surprise party.

They hope to giveth back to their community through volunteering.

He wants to giveth his time to charity.

We decided to giveth our old clothes to a homeless shelter.

They agreed to giveth a donation to the charity.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys giving her time to volunteer work.

They recommend regular giving to charitable causes.

I dislike the idea of giving extravagant gifts.

He avoids giving false promises.

Can you imagine yourself giving a speech in front of a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to giveth presents to others. She likes giving presents to others.

We started to giveth our time to a local charity. We started giving our time to a local charity.

He began to giveth generously to those in need. He began giving generously to those in need.

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