To Lay vs Laying Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To lay (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lay the foundation for a successful career.

Laying (Gerund)

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

Example

Laying the groundwork is an essential step in the process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lay (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To lay a solid foundation is crucial for success.

  To lay a solid foundation is crucial for success.

  • "*To lay* a solid foundation" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a solid foundation).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to lay the groundwork for the project.

  She wants me to lay the groundwork for the project.

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

  We need a strong base to lay the structure on.

  We need a strong base to lay the structure on.

  • "*To lay* the structure on" modifies the noun "base."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong base *to lay* the structure on).

Laying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Laying the foundation requires careful planning.

  Laying the foundation requires careful planning.

  • "*Laying* the foundation" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
• 2. Object

  We enjoy laying out a picnic blanket in the park.

  We enjoy laying out a picnic blanket in the park.

  • "*Laying* out a picnic blanket in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*laying* out a picnic blanket in the park).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for laying ceramic tiles.

  He has a talent for laying ceramic tiles.

  • "For *laying* ceramic tiles" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *laying* ceramic tiles).

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

• plan
• decide
• attempt
• refuse
• choose

Example

They plan to lay the new flooring next month.

He decided to lay the bricks in a zigzag pattern.

We attempted to lay the carpet ourselves.

She refused to lay the groundwork for the project.

I chose to lay the tiles diagonally.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• resist
• understand

Example

They recommend laying the foundation before starting the construction.

She avoids laying the groundwork for complicated projects.

Can you imagine yourself laying bricks for hours?

He resists laying down the rules for the team.

I understand the importance of laying a strong foundation.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to lay the tiles myself. I would like laying the tiles myself.

They started to lay the groundwork for the project. They started laying the groundwork for the project.

She began to lay the bricks for the wall. She began laying the bricks for the wall.