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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 successful career.

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 can make a difference.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To have (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To have a good education is important.

    To have a good education is important.

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

    She wants me to have a happy life.

    She wants me to have a happy life.

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

    I need a car to have transportation.

    I need a car to have transportation.

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

Having (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Having good friends is important.

    Having good friends is important.

    • "*Having*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy having a good meal.

    I enjoy having a good meal.

    • "*Having* a good meal" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*having* a good meal).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for having adventures.

    She has a passion for having adventures.

    • "For *having* adventures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *having* adventures).

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 a family in the future.

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 dinner together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys having a cup of coffee in the morning.

They recommend having a balanced diet for good health.

I dislike having to wake up early.

He avoids having conflicts with others.

Can you imagine having unlimited resources?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to have control over her own schedule. She likes having control over her own schedule.

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

He began to have doubts about his decision. He began having doubts about his decision.

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