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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 truth about what happened.

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 will set you free.

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 her secret.

    She wants me to know her secret.

    • "Me *to know* her secret" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to know* her secret).
  • 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 truth is important.

    Knowing the truth is important.

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

    I enjoy knowing different cultures.

    I enjoy knowing different cultures.

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

    He has a talent for knowing people's intentions.

    He has a talent for knowing people's intentions.

    • "For *knowing* people's intentions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *knowing* people's intentions).

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 promised to know the answer by tomorrow.

They refused to know anything about it.

She attempted to know the truth behind the mystery.

We wish to know the outcome of the experiment.

The boss demanded to know the reason for the delay.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They consider knowing the facts before making a decision.

I avoid knowing the outcome in advance.

Experts recommend knowing your rights as a citizen.

Don't delay knowing the truth any longer.

Can you imagine knowing the future?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to know everything that's going on. She likes knowing everything that's going on.

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

He began to know more about the subject. He began knowing more about the subject.

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