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To Hurt vs Hurting 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 hurt (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Hurting (Gerund)

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

Example

Hurting others is not a solution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To hurt (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To hurt is not my intention.

    To hurt is not my intention.

    • "*To hurt*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not my intention).
  • 2Object

    She doesn't like me to hurt her.

    She doesn't like me to hurt her.

    • "Me *to hurt* her" is the object of the verb "doesn't like."
    • Noun (She) + verb (doesn't like) + noun phrase (me *to hurt* her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a cushion to sit on because his back hurts.

    He needs a cushion to sit on because his back hurts.

    • "*To sit* on" modifies the noun "cushion."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a cushion *to sit* on).

Hurting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Hurting people is never acceptable.

    Hurting people is never acceptable.

    • "*Hurting* people" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (never acceptable).
  • 2Object

    She regrets hurting his feelings.

    She regrets hurting his feelings.

    • "*Hurting* his feelings" is the object of the verb "regrets."
    • Noun (She) + verb (regrets) + gerund (*hurting* his feelings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He is afraid of hurting himself.

    He is afraid of hurting himself.

    • "*Hurting* himself" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun (He) + verb (is) + preposition (of) + gerund (*hurting* himself).

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

I decided to hurt her feelings by telling the truth.

They want to hurt each other in this competition.

We plan to hurt their chances of winning.

He refused to hurt anyone with his words.

She attempted to hurt him emotionally.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They avoid hurting others' sentiments with their jokes.

She considers hurting him as a last resort.

I don't mind hurting myself for the sake of others.

Experts recommend seeking help to prevent hurting oneself.

We understand the consequences of hurting someone emotionally.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I don't like to hurt people's feelings. I don't like hurting people's feelings.

He started to hurt himself after the breakup. He started hurting himself after the breakup.

They began to hurt each other with their harsh words. They began hurting each other with their harsh words.

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