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To Live vs Living 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 live (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to live in a big city.

Living (Gerund)

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

Example

Living in the moment is important for a happy life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To live (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To live is a basic human need.

    To live is a basic human need.

    • "*To live*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to live with her.

    She wants me to live with her.

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

    I need a house to live in.

    I need a house to live in.

    • "*To live* in" modifies the noun "house."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a house *to live* in).

Living (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Living sustainably helps protect the environment.

    Living sustainably helps protect the environment.

    • "*Living* sustainably" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (protect the environment).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy living in a vibrant city.

    I enjoy living in a vibrant city.

    • "*Living* in a vibrant city" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*living* in a vibrant city).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for living a healthy lifestyle.

    She has a passion for living a healthy lifestyle.

    • "For *living* a healthy lifestyle" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *living* a healthy lifestyle).

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 plan to live abroad for a year.

I hope to live near the beach someday.

He wants to live a simple life in the countryside.

We decided to live together after getting married.

They agreed to live in a small apartment to save money.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy living in the countryside surrounded by nature.

Experts recommend living a balanced life for overall well-being.

I dislike the idea of living in a noisy city.

He avoids living paycheck to paycheck.

Can you imagine yourself living in a foreign country?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to live in the suburbs. She likes living in the suburbs.

We started to live independently. We started living independently.

He began to live a healthier lifestyle. He began living a healthier lifestyle.

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