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To Let vs Letting 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 let (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to let you borrow my car.

Letting (Gerund)

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

Example

Letting go can be difficult but liberating.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To let (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To let is a kind gesture.

    To let is a kind gesture.

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

    She wants me to let her use my laptop.

    She wants me to let her use my laptop.

    • "Me *to let* her use my laptop" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to let* her use my laptop).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a key to let you in.

    I need a key to let you in.

    • "*To let* you in" modifies the noun "key."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a key *to let* you in).

Letting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Letting him go was the hardest thing I ever did.

    Letting him go was the hardest thing I ever did.

    • "*Letting* him go" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (was) + noun phrase (the hardest thing I ever did).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy letting my creativity flow.

    I enjoy letting my creativity flow.

    • "*Letting* my creativity flow" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*letting* my creativity flow).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of letting others down.

    She has a fear of letting others down.

    • "Of *letting* others down" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *letting* others down).

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

We agreed to let them stay at our place for the weekend.

He wants to let his dog run freely in the park.

They hope to let us join their team.

She plans to let her kids choose their own clothes.

I refuse to let him take advantage of me.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys letting his imagination run wild.

They recommend letting go of negative emotions.

She avoids letting her anxiety control her life.

I am considering letting my hair grow long.

Do you mind letting me use your phone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to let my children make their own decisions. I like letting my children make their own decisions.

They started to let their employees work from home. They started letting their employees work from home.

He began to let go of past regrets. He began letting go of past regrets.

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