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To Lend vs Lending 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 lend (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promised to lend him some money.

Lending (Gerund)

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

Example

Lending money to friends can be risky.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lend (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lend is a kind act of generosity.

    To lend is a kind act of generosity.

    • "*To lend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a kind act of generosity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lend her a book.

    She wants me to lend her a book.

    • "Me *to lend* her a book" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to lend* her a book).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pen to lend to my friend.

    I need a pen to lend to my friend.

    • "*To lend* to my friend" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to lend* to my friend).

Lending (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Lending a hand is always appreciated.

    Lending a hand is always appreciated.

    • "*Lending* a hand" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always appreciated).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy lending my time to volunteer work.

    I enjoy lending my time to volunteer work.

    • "*Lending* my time to volunteer work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*lending* my time to volunteer work).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for lending his expertise.

    He has a talent for lending his expertise.

    • "For *lending* his expertise" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *lending* his expertise).

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 agreed to lend their car for the road trip.

He hopes to lend his expertise to the project.

We want to lend a helping hand to those in need.

She decided to lend her support to the cause.

I plan to lend my assistance during the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys lending a helping hand to those in need.

They recommend lending support to local charities.

I avoid lending money to unreliable individuals.

Can you imagine lending your car to a stranger?

He is considering lending his apartment to a friend.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to lend my ear to others. I like lending my ear to others.

She started to lend her support to the cause. She started lending her support to the cause.

We began to lend our resources to the community. We began lending our resources to the community.

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