To Inspect vs Inspecting Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To inspect (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to inspect the house before buying it.

Inspecting (Gerund)

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

Example

Inspecting the construction site is part of my job.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To inspect (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To inspect is an important step in the quality control process.

  To inspect is an important step in the quality control process.

  • "*To inspect*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the quality control process).
• 2. Object

  He wants me to inspect the car for any damages.

  He wants me to inspect the car for any damages.

  • "Me *to inspect* the car for any damages" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to inspect* the car for any damages).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a magnifying glass to inspect the tiny details.

  We need a magnifying glass to inspect the tiny details.

  • "*To inspect* the tiny details" modifies the noun "magnifying glass."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a magnifying glass *to inspect* the tiny details).

Inspecting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Inspecting the equipment is crucial for safety reasons.

  Inspecting the equipment is crucial for safety reasons.

  • "*Inspecting* the equipment" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for safety reasons).
• 2. Object

  She enjoys inspecting old houses for hidden treasures.

  She enjoys inspecting old houses for hidden treasures.

  • "*Inspecting* old houses for hidden treasures" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*inspecting* old houses for hidden treasures).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  I have a passion for inspecting antique furniture.

  I have a passion for inspecting antique furniture.

  • "For *inspecting* antique furniture" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *inspecting* antique furniture).

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

• decide
• plan
• want
• refuse
• attempt

Example

She decided to inspect the property thoroughly before making an offer.

They plan to inspect the machinery before purchasing it.

He wants to inspect the documents before signing them.

We refused to inspect the product due to its poor condition.

They attempted to inspect the crime scene for any evidence.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• postpone
• imagine

Example

He avoids inspecting the factory during working hours.

They recommend regularly inspecting the electrical wiring in your home.

I am considering inspecting the car before purchasing it.

She postponed inspecting the property until the next day.

Can you imagine yourself inspecting ancient ruins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to inspect the artwork before making a decision. I would like inspecting the artwork before making a decision.

We started to inspect the building for any structural issues. We started inspecting the building for any structural issues.

He began to inspect the documents for any errors. He began inspecting the documents for any errors.