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To Lunch vs Lunching 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 lunch (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to lunch with my colleagues to discuss the project.

Lunching (Gerund)

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

Example

Lunching with friends is always enjoyable.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lunch (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To lunch at a fancy restaurant is a special treat.

    To lunch at a fancy restaurant is a special treat.

    • "*To lunch*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a special treat).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to lunch with her clients.

    She wants me to lunch with her clients.

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

    I need a quiet place to lunch.

    I need a quiet place to lunch.

    • "*To lunch*" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to lunch*).

Lunching (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Lunching in the park is a popular activity.

    Lunching in the park is a popular activity.

    • "*Lunching*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy lunching with my coworkers.

    I enjoy lunching with my coworkers.

    • "*Lunching* with my coworkers" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*lunching* with my coworkers).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a preference for lunching at trendy restaurants.

    She has a preference for lunching at trendy restaurants.

    • "For *lunching*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *lunching* at trendy restaurants).

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 lunch at the new restaurant tomorrow.

They hope to lunch together next week.

He wants to lunch with his boss to discuss the promotion.

We decided to lunch at the cafe instead of the office.

They agreed to lunch at their favorite restaurant.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys lunching at the outdoor cafe every weekend.

They recommend lunching at the new bistro for a delightful experience.

I avoid lunching alone and prefer to have company.

Can you imagine yourself lunching in Paris?

He is considering lunching with potential business partners.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to lunch at upscale restaurants. She likes lunching at upscale restaurants.

We started to lunch together every Friday. We started lunching together every Friday.

He began to lunch with his colleagues to build stronger relationships. He began lunching with his colleagues to build stronger relationships.

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