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To Hike vs Hiking 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 hike (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to hike in the mountains this weekend.

Hiking (Gerund)

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

Example

Hiking is a popular outdoor activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hike (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hike is a great way to enjoy nature.

    To hike is a great way to enjoy nature.

    • "*To hike*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to enjoy nature).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to hike with her.

    She wants me to hike with her.

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

    I need comfortable shoes to hike long distances.

    I need comfortable shoes to hike long distances.

    • "*To hike* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to hike* long distances).

Hiking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hiking can improve your cardiovascular health.

    Hiking can improve your cardiovascular health.

    • "*Hiking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can improve) + noun phrase (your cardiovascular health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy hiking in the mountains.

    I enjoy hiking in the mountains.

    • "*Hiking* in the mountains" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*hiking* in the mountains).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for hiking.

    She has a passion for hiking.

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

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

We plan to hike in the national park next month.

They hope to hike to the summit of the mountain.

He wants to hike the entire trail.

We decided to hike in the forest instead of going to the beach.

They agreed to hike together on the weekend.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys hiking in the forest during the autumn.

They recommend regular hiking for physical fitness.

I dislike the idea of hiking in extreme weather conditions.

He avoids hiking in crowded trails.

Can you imagine yourself hiking through the wilderness?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to hike in the mountains. She likes hiking in the mountains.

We started to hike regularly. We started hiking regularly.

He began to hike every weekend. He began hiking every weekend.

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