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To Be vs Being 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 be (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to be a doctor when I grow up.

Being (Gerund)

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

Example

Being a parent can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To be (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    To be or not to be, that is the question.

    • "*To be*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the question).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to be her partner for the project.

    She wants me to be her partner for the project.

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

    I need a pen to be able to write.

    I need a pen to be able to write.

    • "*To be* able to write" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to be* able to write).

Being (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Being kind is important in life.

    Being kind is important in life.

    • "*Being* kind" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important in life).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy being with my friends.

    I enjoy being with my friends.

    • "*Being* with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*being* with my friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of being alone.

    She has a fear of being alone.

    • "Of *being* alone" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *being* alone).

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

She plans to be a teacher in the future.

They hope to be successful in their careers.

He wants to be a professional athlete.

We decided to be more environmentally friendly.

They agreed to be present at the meeting.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys being in nature.

They recommend being mindful of your health.

I dislike being late for appointments.

He avoids being around negative people.

Can you imagine being a famous actor?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to be in control. She likes being in control.

We started to be more organized. We started being more organized.

He began to be more assertive. He began being more assertive.

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