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To Imagine vs Imagining 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 imagine (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to imagine a world without borders.

Imagining (Gerund)

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

Example

Imagining is a powerful tool for problem-solving.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To imagine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To imagine is a creative process.

    To imagine is a creative process.

    • "*To imagine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to imagine a different future.

    She wants me to imagine a different future.

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

    I need a quiet space to imagine my next painting.

    I need a quiet space to imagine my next painting.

    • "*To imagine* my next painting" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet space *to imagine* my next painting).

Imagining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Imagining requires creativity and open-mindedness.

    Imagining requires creativity and open-mindedness.

    • "*Imagining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (creativity and open-mindedness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy imagining myself in different scenarios.

    I enjoy imagining myself in different scenarios.

    • "*Imagining* myself in different scenarios" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*imagining* myself in different scenarios).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for imagining the future.

    She has a passion for imagining the future.

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

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 imagine a better world for her children.

They hope to imagine new possibilities for their project.

He wants to imagine a life full of adventures.

We decided to imagine a different ending to the story.

They agreed to imagine a brighter future together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys imagining new possibilities for her business.

They recommend regular imagining for enhancing creativity.

I dislike the idea of imagining worst-case scenarios.

He avoids imagining negative outcomes.

Can you imagine yourself imagining a world without limits?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to imagine herself as a famous actress. She likes imagining herself as a famous actress.

We started to imagine a better future for our community. We started imagining a better future for our community.

He began to imagine himself living in a different country. He began imagining himself living in a different country.

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