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To Join vs Joining 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 join (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to join the club to meet new people.

Joining (Gerund)

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

Example

Joining the team was the best decision I ever made.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To join (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To join is a great opportunity for personal growth.

    To join is a great opportunity for personal growth.

    • "*To join*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great opportunity for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to join her in the dance class.

    She wants me to join her in the dance class.

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

    I need a team to join for the competition.

    I need a team to join for the competition.

    • "*To join* for the competition" modifies the noun "team."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a team *to join* for the competition).

Joining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Joining is an exciting experience.

    Joining is an exciting experience.

    • "*Joining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting experience).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy joining community service projects.

    I enjoy joining community service projects.

    • "*Joining* community service projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*joining* community service projects).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for joining social clubs.

    He has a passion for joining social clubs.

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

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 join the hiking group next weekend.

They hope to join the choir and sing together.

She wants to join the book club for intellectual discussions.

We decided to join the volunteer organization.

They agreed to join forces and work together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys joining dance classes to express herself.

They recommend joining a sports team for physical fitness.

I dislike the idea of joining large crowds.

He avoids joining political debates.

Can you imagine yourself joining a cooking class?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to join social events and meet new people. She likes joining social events and meeting new people.

We started to join the gym for regular workouts. We started joining the gym for regular workouts.

He began to join a support group for emotional well-being. He began joining a support group for emotional well-being.

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