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To Know vs Knowing 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 know (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to know the answer to the question.

Knowing (Gerund)

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

Example

Knowing the truth can be difficult.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To know (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To know is to understand.

    To know is to understand.

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

    She wants me to know the truth.

    She wants me to know the truth.

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

    I need a book to know more about the topic.

    I need a book to know more about the topic.

    • "*To know* more about the topic" modifies the noun "book."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a book *to know* more about the topic).

Knowing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Knowing the answer is important.

    Knowing the answer is important.

    • "*Knowing* the answer" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy knowing different languages.

    I enjoy knowing different languages.

    • "*Knowing* different languages" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*knowing* different languages).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for knowing about history.

    She has a passion for knowing about history.

    • "For *knowing* about history" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *knowing* about history).

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 hope to know the outcome of the experiment soon.

He wants to know the secret recipe.

We decided to know the truth no matter what.

She attempted to know the answer by asking for help.

I want to know how to play the guitar.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids knowing the truth because it hurts.

They consider knowing multiple programming languages an advantage.

I recommend knowing your rights before signing any contracts.

Can you imagine knowing all the answers to the test in advance?

Do you mind knowing the truth, even if it's unpleasant?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to know everything that is going on. She likes knowing everything that is going on.

We started to know each other better. We started knowing each other better.

He began to know the details of the project. He began knowing the details of the project.

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