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To Get vs Getting 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 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 promotion requires hard work and dedication.

    To get a promotion requires hard work and dedication.

    • "*To get* a promotion" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and dedication).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to get her a cup of coffee.

    She wants me to get her a cup of coffee.

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

    I need a ladder to get to the top shelf.

    I need a ladder to get to the top shelf.

    • "*To get* to the top shelf" modifies the noun "ladder."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a ladder *to get* to the top shelf).

Getting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Getting enough sleep can improve your concentration.

    Getting enough sleep can improve your concentration.

    • "*Getting* enough sleep" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can improve) + noun phrase (your concentration).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy getting massages.

    I enjoy getting massages.

    • "*Getting* massages" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*getting* massages).
  • 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 new car next year.

They hope to get tickets to the concert.

He wants to get a better job.

We decided to get married in the spring.

They agreed to get dinner together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys getting together with friends.

They recommend getting regular exercise for better health.

I dislike the idea of getting up early in the morning.

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 up early in the morning. She likes getting up early in the morning.

We started to get in shape for the marathon. We started getting in shape for the marathon.

He began to get more involved in the community. He began getting more involved in the community.

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