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To Lose vs Losing 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 lose (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lose weight before summer.

Losing (Gerund)

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

Example

Losing weight requires dedication and perseverance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lose (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lose is a common goal for many people.

    To lose is a common goal for many people.

    • "*To lose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common goal for many people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lose the extra pounds.

    She wants me to lose the extra pounds.

    • "Me *to lose* the extra pounds" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to lose* the extra pounds).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a healthy diet to lose weight.

    I need a healthy diet to lose weight.

    • "*To lose* weight" modifies the noun "diet."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a healthy diet *to lose* weight).

Losing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Losing weight can be challenging but rewarding.

    Losing weight can be challenging but rewarding.

    • "*Losing* weight" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging but rewarding).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy losing myself in intense workouts.

    I enjoy losing myself in intense workouts.

    • "*Losing* myself in intense workouts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*losing* myself in intense workouts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of losing control.

    She has a fear of losing control.

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

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

She plans to lose 10 pounds in a month.

They hope to lose inches off their waistline through exercise.

He wants to lose weight for his upcoming wedding.

We decided to lose weight together as a team.

They agreed to lose weight by following a strict diet.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys losing herself in dance routines.

They recommend losing weight gradually for better health.

I avoid losing focus during my workouts.

Can you imagine losing those extra pounds and feeling great?

Do you mind losing a few pounds for the sake of your health?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to lose weight through regular exercise. I like losing weight through regular exercise.

He started to lose weight by cutting out sugary drinks. He started losing weight by cutting out sugary drinks.

She began to lose weight after consulting with a nutritionist. She began losing weight after consulting with a nutritionist.

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