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To Happen vs Happening 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 happen (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to happen to me again.

Happening (Gerund)

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

Example

Happening at the same time made it difficult to focus.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To happen (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To happen is unexpected.

    To happen is unexpected.

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

    She wants it to happen sooner rather than later.

    She wants it to happen sooner rather than later.

    • "It *to happen* sooner rather than later" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (it *to happen* sooner rather than later).
  • 3Adverb Modifier

    We need it to happen quickly.

    We need it to happen quickly.

    • "*To happen* quickly" modifies the noun "it."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (it *to happen* quickly).

Happening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Happening can be unpredictable.

    Happening can be unpredictable.

    • "*Happening*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (unpredictable).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy happening in big cities.

    I enjoy happening in big cities.

    • "*Happening* in big cities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*happening* in big cities).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of happening to her.

    She has a fear of happening to her.

    • "Of *happening* to her" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *happening* to her).

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 happen the event next month.

I hope to happen upon a solution to this problem.

He wants to happen a miracle.

We decided to happen the meeting in the afternoon.

They agreed to happen the concert on Friday night.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy happening events in their city.

I recommend happening a meeting to discuss this issue.

She dislikes the idea of happening without her knowledge.

He avoids happening conflicts with his colleagues.

Can you imagine happening in a parallel universe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to happen unexpectedly. I like happening unexpectedly.

They started to happen frequently. They started happening frequently.

She began to happen spontaneously. She began happening spontaneously.

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