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To Lie vs Lying 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 lie (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lie on the beach and soak up the sun.

Lying (Gerund)

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

Example

Lying in a hammock is so relaxing.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lie (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lie is my favorite way to relax.

    To lie is my favorite way to relax.

    • "*To lie*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my favorite way to relax).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lie next to her.

    She wants me to lie next to her.

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

    I need a comfortable bed to lie on.

    I need a comfortable bed to lie on.

    • "*To lie* on" modifies the noun "bed."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable bed *to lie* on).

Lying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Lying can be a sign of laziness.

    Lying can be a sign of laziness.

    • "*Lying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a sign of laziness).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy lying on the grass.

    I enjoy lying on the grass.

    • "*Lying* on the grass" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*lying* on the grass).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of lying in small spaces.

    She has a fear of lying in small spaces.

    • "Of *lying* in small spaces" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *lying* in small spaces).

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

He plans to lie in the hammock all day tomorrow.

They hope to lie on the beach during their vacation.

She wants to lie in the grass and watch the clouds.

We decided to lie under the stars tonight.

They agreed to lie in the sun together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys lying in the hammock every afternoon.

They recommend regular lying for stress relief.

I dislike the idea of lying in uncomfortable positions.

He avoids lying in bed all day.

Can you imagine yourself lying on a tropical beach?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to lie in the shade. He likes lying in the shade.

We started to lie on the hammock. We started lying on the hammock.

She began to lie in the sun for a tan. She began lying in the sun for a tan.

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