Help center

To Look vs Looking Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 look (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to look my best for the interview.

Looking (Gerund)

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

Example

Looking in the mirror, she noticed a wrinkle.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To look (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To look good is important for self-confidence.

    To look good is important for self-confidence.

    • "*To look* good" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (good).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to look at the report.

    She wants me to look at the report.

    • "Me *to look* at the report" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to look* at the report).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a mirror to look in.

    I need a mirror to look in.

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

Looking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Looking at the stars is a favorite pastime.

    Looking at the stars is a favorite pastime.

    • "*Looking* at the stars" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a favorite pastime).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy looking at old photographs.

    I enjoy looking at old photographs.

    • "*Looking* at old photographs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*looking* at old photographs).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for looking after children.

    She has a talent for looking after children.

    • "For *looking* after children" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *looking* after children).

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 decided to look for a new apartment.

They hope to look their best at the wedding.

He wants to look fashionable for the party.

She attempted to look confident during the presentation.

I determined to look into the matter further.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids looking at his reflection in the mirror.

They recommend looking both ways before crossing the street.

I am considering looking for a new job.

Can you imagine looking at a beautiful sunset?

Do you mind looking after my pet while I'm away?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to look in the mirror. She likes looking in the mirror.

We started to look for a new car. We started looking for a new car.

He began to look through the documents. He began looking through the documents.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!