To Introduce vs Introducing 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 introduce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to introduce my new colleague to the team.

Introducing (Gerund)

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

Example

Introducing a new concept can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To introduce (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To introduce yourself is a common practice in networking events.

  To introduce yourself is a common practice in networking events.

  • "*To introduce* yourself" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in networking events).
• 2. Object

  She asked me to introduce her to the manager.

  She asked me to introduce her to the manager.

  • "Me *to introduce* her to the manager" is the object of the verb "asked."
  • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to introduce* her to the manager).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a good script to introduce the new product.

  I need a good script to introduce the new product.

  • "*To introduce* the new product" modifies the noun "script."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good script *to introduce* the new product).

Introducing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Introducing new technology is crucial for business growth.

  Introducing new technology is crucial for business growth.

  • "*Introducing* new technology" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for business growth).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy introducing people to new experiences.

  I enjoy introducing people to new experiences.

  • "*Introducing* people to new experiences" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*introducing* people to new experiences).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for introducing innovative ideas.

  She has a talent for introducing innovative ideas.

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

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 introduce a new feature in the next update.

We hope to introduce a more efficient system soon.

He wants to introduce a new policy in the company.

She decided to introduce a new menu in the restaurant.

They agreed to introduce a recycling program in the office.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys introducing new members to the club.

They recommend introducing mindfulness practices in the workplace.

I dislike the idea of introducing unnecessary complications.

She avoids introducing controversial topics in conversations.

Can you imagine yourself introducing a famous speaker at an event?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to introduce myself to new colleagues. I like introducing myself to new colleagues.

We started to introduce a new product line. We started introducing a new product line.

He began to introduce innovative solutions to the team. He began introducing innovative solutions to the team.