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To Imitate vs Imitating 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 imitate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to imitate his style of painting.

Imitating (Gerund)

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

Example

Imitating others can be a way to learn new skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To imitate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To imitate is a form of flattery.

    To imitate is a form of flattery.

    • "*To imitate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of flattery).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to imitate her dance moves.

    She wants me to imitate her dance moves.

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

    I need a model to imitate for my artwork.

    I need a model to imitate for my artwork.

    • "*To imitate* for my artwork" modifies the noun "model."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a model *to imitate* for my artwork).

Imitating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Imitating is a common learning technique.

    Imitating is a common learning technique.

    • "*Imitating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common learning technique).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy imitating famous actors.

    I enjoy imitating famous actors.

    • "*Imitating* famous actors" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*imitating* famous actors).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for imitating different accents.

    She has a talent for imitating different accents.

    • "For *imitating* different accents" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *imitating* different accents).

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

He plans to imitate the famous singer's performance at the talent show.

They hope to imitate the success of their favorite band.

She wants to imitate his cooking skills.

We decided to imitate the fashion trends from the 1950s.

They agreed to imitate the winning strategy in their next game.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys imitating cartoon characters in his free time.

They recommend imitating successful entrepreneurs for business growth.

I dislike the idea of imitating someone else's fashion style.

She avoids imitating others and focuses on her unique artistic expression.

Can you imagine yourself imitating your favorite celebrity?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to imitate their favorite athletes. They like imitating their favorite athletes.

He started to imitate his favorite musician's guitar playing. He started imitating his favorite musician's guitar playing.

She began to imitate the famous painter's techniques. She began imitating the famous painter's techniques.

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