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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 down and rest for a while.

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 the sun is a great way to relax.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lie (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lie is not a good habit.

    To lie is not a good habit.

    • "*To lie*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a good habit).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lie on the bed.

    She wants me to lie on the bed.

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

    I need a soft pillow to lie on.

    I need a soft pillow to lie on.

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

Lying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Lying can lead to trouble.

    Lying can lead to trouble.

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

    I enjoy lying on the beach.

    I enjoy lying on the beach.

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

    She has a fear of lying in the dark.

    She has a fear of lying in the dark.

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

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 lie on the beach during their vacation.

He wants to lie on the hammock all day.

She refused to lie on the uncomfortable bed.

We chose to lie on the grass instead of the sand.

They decided to lie on the couch and watch TV.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys lying in the hammock every afternoon.

They recommend lying on a comfortable mattress for better sleep.

He avoids lying in uncomfortable positions.

Can you imagine yourself lying on a tropical island?

She considered lying about her age to join the club.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to lie in bed on lazy weekends. I like lying in bed on lazy weekends.

He started to lie on the couch and watch movies. He started lying on the couch and watching movies.

We began to lie on the grass and stargaze. We began lying on the grass and stargazing.

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