Help center

To Learn vs Learning Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 learn (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to learn how to play the guitar.

Learning (Gerund)

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

Example

Learning a new skill is always beneficial.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To learn (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To learn is a lifelong process.

    To learn is a lifelong process.

    • "*To learn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lifelong process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to learn French.

    She wants me to learn French.

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

    He needs a good teacher to learn properly.

    He needs a good teacher to learn properly.

    • "*To learn* properly" modifies the noun "teacher."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a good teacher *to learn* properly).

Learning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Learning takes time and effort.

    Learning takes time and effort.

    • "*Learning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (time and effort).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy learning about different cultures.

    I enjoy learning about different cultures.

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

    He has a passion for learning.

    He has a passion for learning.

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

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 learn a new language this year.

She hopes to learn how to dance salsa.

We want to learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes.

He decided to learn how to code.

They agreed to learn how to swim together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys learning new languages.

They recommend continuous learning for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of learning math.

He avoids learning from unreliable sources.

Can you imagine yourself learning how to play the piano?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to learn new things. I like learning new things.

She started to learn how to paint. She started learning how to paint.

We began to learn Spanish. We began learning Spanish.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!