To Install vs Installing 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 install (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to install the new software on my computer.

Installing (Gerund)

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

Example

Installing new updates can improve the performance of your device.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To install (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To install is a necessary step in setting up the system.

  To install is a necessary step in setting up the system.

  • "*To install*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in setting up the system).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to install the app on her phone.

  She wants me to install the app on her phone.

  • "Me *to install* the app on her phone" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to install* the app on her phone).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a screwdriver to install the new door handle.

  I need a screwdriver to install the new door handle.

  • "*To install* the new door handle" modifies the noun "screwdriver."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a screwdriver *to install* the new door handle).

Installing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Installing new software requires technical knowledge.

  Installing new software requires technical knowledge.

  • "*Installing* new software" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (technical knowledge).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy installing new apps on my phone.

  I enjoy installing new apps on my phone.

  • "*Installing* new apps on my phone" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*installing* new apps on my phone).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has experience in installing computer systems.

  She has experience in installing computer systems.

  • "In *installing* computer systems" is the object of the preposition "in."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *installing* computer systems).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to install the security system next week.

I hope to install the latest version of the software soon.

We want to install the new lighting fixtures in our house.

He decided to install a surveillance camera outside his office.

They agreed to install the new carpet in the living room.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys installing smart home devices in his house.

Experts recommend regularly installing security updates for your devices.

I dislike the process of installing complicated software.

They avoid installing unnecessary plugins on their website.

Can you imagine yourself installing a complete home theater system?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to install new applications on my computer. I like installing new applications on my computer.

They started to install the new operating system. They started installing the new operating system.

He began to install the software update. He began installing the software update.