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To Invite vs Inviting 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 invite (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to invite all my friends to my birthday party.

Inviting (Gerund)

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

Example

Inviting people to your home can create a warm atmosphere.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To invite (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To invite is a polite gesture.

    To invite is a polite gesture.

    • "*To invite*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a polite gesture).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to invite her to the event.

    She wants me to invite her to the event.

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

    We need a venue to invite all the guests.

    We need a venue to invite all the guests.

    • "*To invite* all the guests" modifies the noun "venue."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a venue *to invite* all the guests).

Inviting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Inviting is an essential part of hosting an event.

    Inviting is an essential part of hosting an event.

    • "*Inviting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of hosting an event).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy inviting friends over for dinner.

    I enjoy inviting friends over for dinner.

    • "*Inviting* friends over for dinner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*inviting* friends over for dinner).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for inviting interesting people.

    She has a talent for inviting interesting people.

    • "For *inviting* interesting people" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *inviting* interesting people).

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 invite their neighbors to the barbecue.

I hope to invite my favorite author to speak at the event.

He wants to invite his colleagues to the dinner party.

We decided to invite our relatives to the family reunion.

They agreed to invite the famous musician to perform at the concert.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy inviting guests to their holiday parties.

I recommend inviting a professional chef to cater the event.

He dislikes the idea of inviting strangers into his home.

She avoids inviting people who cause drama.

Can you imagine inviting your favorite celebrity to dinner?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to invite her friends to movie nights. She likes inviting her friends to movie nights.

We started to invite our neighbors to block parties. We started inviting our neighbors to block parties.

He began to invite his colleagues to networking events. He began inviting his colleagues to networking events.

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