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To Influence vs Influencing 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 influence (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to influence others with my words.

Influencing (Gerund)

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

Example

Influencing others requires effective communication skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To influence (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To influence is a powerful tool in leadership.

    To influence is a powerful tool in leadership.

    • "*To influence*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a powerful tool in leadership).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to influence the decision.

    She wants me to influence the decision.

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

    I need a strategy to influence the outcome.

    I need a strategy to influence the outcome.

    • "*To influence* the outcome" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to influence* the outcome).

Influencing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Influencing others is a key aspect of leadership.

    Influencing others is a key aspect of leadership.

    • "*Influencing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key aspect of leadership).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy influencing people to achieve their goals.

    I enjoy influencing people to achieve their goals.

    • "*Influencing* people to achieve their goals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*influencing* people to achieve their goals).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for influencing others.

    She has a talent for influencing others.

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

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 influence the audience with her speech.

They hope to influence public opinion through their campaign.

He wants to influence policy decisions in his role.

We decided to influence change in our community.

They agreed to influence the outcome of the negotiations.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys influencing her team to reach their full potential.

They recommend influencing stakeholders through effective communication.

I dislike the idea of influencing others for personal gain.

He avoids influencing decisions without considering all perspectives.

Can you imagine yourself influencing positive change in your community?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to influence others with her ideas. She likes influencing others with her ideas.

We started to influence the conversation. We started influencing the conversation.

He began to influence the decision-making process. He began influencing the decision-making process.

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