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To Jog vs Jogging 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 jog (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to jog in the park to improve my fitness.

Jogging (Gerund)

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

Example

Jogging is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To jog (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To jog is a great way to start the day.

    To jog is a great way to start the day.

    • "*To jog*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to start the day).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to jog with her in the morning.

    She wants me to jog with her in the morning.

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

    I need comfortable shoes to jog long distances.

    I need comfortable shoes to jog long distances.

    • "*To jog* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to jog* long distances).

Jogging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Jogging helps in reducing stress levels.

    Jogging helps in reducing stress levels.

    • "*Jogging*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (in reducing stress levels).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy jogging in the morning.

    I enjoy jogging in the morning.

    • "*Jogging* in the morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*jogging* in the morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for jogging.

    He has a passion for jogging.

    • "For *jogging*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *jogging*).

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

He plans to jog in the park tomorrow.

They hope to jog together during their vacation.

She wants to jog every morning.

We decided to jog in the marathon this year.

They agreed to jog together in the race.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys jogging in the park every evening.

They recommend regular jogging for better cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of jogging in the rain.

He avoids jogging on busy streets.

Can you imagine yourself jogging in a beautiful scenic location?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to jog in the morning. She likes jogging in the morning.

We started to jog regularly. We started jogging regularly.

He began to jog every day. He began jogging every day.

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