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To Have vs Having 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 have (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to have a piece of cake.

Having (Gerund)

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

Example

Having a positive attitude is important for success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To have (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To have is essential for survival.

    To have is essential for survival.

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

    She wants me to have a good time.

    She wants me to have a good time.

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

    I need a pen to have a backup.

    I need a pen to have a backup.

    • "*To have* a backup" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to have* a backup).

Having (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Having good friends is beneficial.

    Having good friends is beneficial.

    • "*Having* good friends" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (beneficial).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy having a cup of coffee in the morning.

    I enjoy having a cup of coffee in the morning.

    • "*Having* a cup of coffee in the morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*having* a cup of coffee in the morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of having no control.

    She has a fear of having no control.

    • "Of *having* no control" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *having* no control).

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 have dinner with her friends tonight.

They hope to have a successful business.

He wants to have a big house.

We decided to have a picnic in the park.

They agreed to have a meeting to discuss the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys having dinner with her family.

They recommend having a balanced diet for good health.

I dislike the idea of having to work overtime.

He avoids having conflicts with his colleagues.

Can you imagine having unlimited resources?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to have ice cream after dinner. She likes having ice cream after dinner.

We started to have weekly meetings. We started having weekly meetings.

He began to have a regular exercise routine. He began having a regular exercise routine.

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