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To Lead vs Leading 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 lead (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lead the team to victory.

Leading (Gerund)

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

Example

Leading a team requires effective communication.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lead (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lead requires strong leadership skills.

    To lead requires strong leadership skills.

    • "*To lead*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + adjective phrase (strong leadership skills).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lead the project.

    She wants me to lead the project.

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

    I need a capable person to lead the team.

    I need a capable person to lead the team.

    • "*To lead* the team" modifies the noun "person."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a capable person *to lead* the team).

Leading (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Leading requires a combination of skills.

    Leading requires a combination of skills.

    • "*Leading*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a combination of skills).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy leading projects and seeing them come to fruition.

    I enjoy leading projects and seeing them come to fruition.

    • "*Leading* projects and seeing them come to fruition" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*leading* projects and seeing them come to fruition).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for leading teams.

    She has a talent for leading teams.

    • "For *leading* teams" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *leading* teams).

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 plan to lead the company towards success.

I hope to lead a fulfilling life.

He wants to lead the discussion at the meeting.

We decided to lead by example.

They agreed to lead the expedition into the wilderness.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys leading workshops and sharing his expertise.

They recommend leading by example in leadership roles.

She avoids leading meetings with unprepared participants.

Can you imagine yourself leading a multinational corporation?

We are considering leading a new project.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to lead by inspiring others. I like leading by inspiring others.

They started to lead the team to victory. They started leading the team to victory.

She began to lead the organization towards its goals. She began leading the organization towards its goals.

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