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To Inherit vs Inheriting 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 inherit (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to inherit my grandmother's antique jewelry.

Inheriting (Gerund)

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

Example

Inheriting a fortune can be both a blessing and a burden.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To inherit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To inherit is a common occurrence in many families.

    To inherit is a common occurrence in many families.

    • "*To inherit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common occurrence in many families).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to inherit the family business.

    She wants me to inherit the family business.

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

    I need a lawyer to inherit my father's estate.

    I need a lawyer to inherit my father's estate.

    • "*To inherit* my father's estate" modifies the noun "lawyer."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a lawyer *to inherit* my father's estate).

Inheriting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Inheriting requires careful financial planning.

    Inheriting requires careful financial planning.

    • "*Inheriting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful financial planning).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy inheriting my grandparents' traditions.

    I enjoy inheriting my grandparents' traditions.

    • "*Inheriting* my grandparents' traditions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*inheriting* my grandparents' traditions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for inheriting valuable antiques.

    She has a talent for inheriting valuable antiques.

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

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 inherit the family property next year.

They hope to inherit their parents' wealth someday.

He wants to inherit the family heirlooms.

We decided to inherit the ancestral home.

They agreed to inherit the business together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys inheriting family stories and memories.

They recommend seeking professional advice when inheriting a large estate.

I avoid unnecessary stress when inheriting responsibilities.

Can you imagine inheriting a historic property?

He is considering inheriting his father's business.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to inherit valuable artworks. She likes inheriting valuable artworks.

We started to inherit our family's legacy. We started inheriting our family's legacy.

He began to inherit his uncle's properties. He began inheriting his uncle's properties.

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