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To Go vs Going 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 go (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to go to the party tonight.

Going (Gerund)

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

Example

Going for a walk is a good way to clear your mind.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To go (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To go is my plan for the weekend.

    To go is my plan for the weekend.

    • "*To go*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my plan for the weekend).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to go with her.

    She wants me to go with her.

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

    I need a car to go to work.

    I need a car to go to work.

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

Going (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Going out with friends is always fun.

    Going out with friends is always fun.

    • "*Going* out with friends" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always fun).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy going to the beach.

    I enjoy going to the beach.

    • "*Going* to the beach" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*going* to the beach).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a fear of going on roller coasters.

    He has a fear of going on roller coasters.

    • "Of *going* on roller coasters" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *going* on roller coasters).

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

They plan to go on a vacation next month.

I hope to go to the concert with my friends.

She wants to go shopping this weekend.

We decided to go hiking in the mountains.

They agreed to go to the movies together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy going for long drives in the countryside.

Doctors recommend regular exercise, such as going for a run.

She dislikes going to crowded places.

He avoids going to parties with large crowds.

Can you imagine yourself going on a world tour?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to go for a walk in the park. I like going for a walk in the park.

They started to go to the gym regularly. They started going to the gym regularly.

He began to go to yoga classes. He began going to yoga classes.

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!