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To Learn vs Learning 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 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 can be challenging but rewarding.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To learn (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To learn is essential for personal growth.

    To learn is essential for personal growth.

    • "*To learn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to learn Spanish.

    She wants me to learn Spanish.

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

    I need a good teacher to learn effectively.

    I need a good teacher to learn effectively.

    • "*To learn* effectively" modifies the noun "teacher."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good teacher *to learn* effectively).

Learning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Learning is a lifelong process.

    Learning is a lifelong process.

    • "*Learning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lifelong process).
  • 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

    She has a passion for learning.

    She has a passion for learning.

    • "For *learning*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + 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 hope to learn a new language this year.

He wants to learn how to dance.

We plan to learn how to cook Italian cuisine.

She decided to learn how to code.

I chose to learn how to paint.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys learning new skills.

They recommend continuous learning for personal development.

I am considering learning to play the piano.

He avoids learning from unreliable sources.

Can you understand the importance of learning?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to learn new things every day. She likes learning new things every day.

We started to learn a musical instrument. We started learning a musical instrument.

He began to learn a foreign language. He began learning a foreign language.

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