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To Investigate vs Investigating 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 investigate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to investigate the crime to find the truth.

Investigating (Gerund)

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

Example

Investigating crimes is a challenging but rewarding career.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To investigate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To investigate is a crucial step in solving a mystery.

    To investigate is a crucial step in solving a mystery.

    • "*To investigate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step in solving a mystery).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to investigate the case.

    She wants me to investigate the case.

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

    We need a skilled detective to investigate the crime scene.

    We need a skilled detective to investigate the crime scene.

    • "*To investigate* the crime scene" modifies the noun "detective."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a skilled detective *to investigate* the crime scene).

Investigating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Investigating requires attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

    Investigating requires attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

    • "*Investigating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail and critical thinking skills).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy investigating complex cases.

    I enjoy investigating complex cases.

    • "*Investigating* complex cases" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*investigating* complex cases).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for investigating unsolved mysteries.

    She has a passion for investigating unsolved mysteries.

    • "For *investigating* unsolved mysteries" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *investigating* unsolved mysteries).

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

They plan to investigate the incident thoroughly.

I hope to investigate the matter further.

He wants to investigate the allegations against him.

We decided to investigate the company's financial records.

They agreed to investigate the source of the problem.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys investigating different cultures and traditions.

They recommend investigating all possible options before making a decision.

She avoids investigating cases involving violence.

We are considering investigating alternative solutions.

Can you imagine yourself investigating a major crime scene?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to investigate the suspicious activity. I would like investigating the suspicious activity.

They started to investigate the missing person's case. They started investigating the missing person's case.

He began to investigate the corruption scandal. He began investigating the corruption scandal.

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