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To Improve vs Improving 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 improve (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to improve my skills in playing the piano.

Improving (Gerund)

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

Example

Improving your vocabulary is essential for becoming a better writer.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To improve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To improve is the key to success.

    To improve is the key to success.

    • "*To improve*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the key to success).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to improve my performance.

    She wants me to improve my performance.

    • "Me *to improve* my performance" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to improve* my performance).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a tutor to improve my grades.

    I need a tutor to improve my grades.

    • "*To improve* my grades" modifies the noun "tutor."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tutor *to improve* my grades).

Improving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Improving your skills is necessary for career growth.

    Improving your skills is necessary for career growth.

    • "*Improving* your skills" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for career growth).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy improving my knowledge through reading.

    I enjoy improving my knowledge through reading.

    • "*Improving* my knowledge through reading" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*improving* my knowledge through reading).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for improving her artistic abilities.

    She has a passion for improving her artistic abilities.

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

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 improve her writing skills this summer.

They hope to improve their communication abilities.

He wants to improve his performance in sports.

We decided to improve our productivity at work.

They agreed to improve their teamwork skills.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys improving her cooking skills in her free time.

They recommend regular improving of your problem-solving skills.

I dislike the idea of improving my public speaking skills.

He avoids improving his physical fitness through exercise.

Can you imagine yourself improving your painting techniques?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to improve her photography skills. She likes improving her photography skills.

We started to improve our teamwork. We started improving our teamwork.

He began to improve his guitar playing. He began improving his guitar playing.

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