To Map vs Mapping Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To map (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to map out our road trip to make sure we don't miss any attractions.

Mapping (Gerund)

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

Example

Mapping the terrain helps us understand its features better.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To map (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To map out a plan is essential for success.

  To map out a plan is essential for success.

  • "*To map* out a plan" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for success).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to map the hiking trail.

  She wants me to map the hiking trail.

  • "Me *to map* the hiking trail" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to map* the hiking trail).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a detailed map to map our journey.

  We need a detailed map to map our journey.

  • "*To map* our journey" modifies the noun "map."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a detailed map *to map* our journey).

Mapping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Mapping the ocean floor is a complex process.

  Mapping the ocean floor is a complex process.

  • "*Mapping* the ocean floor" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a complex process).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy mapping new hiking trails.

  I enjoy mapping new hiking trails.

  • "*Mapping* new hiking trails" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*mapping* new hiking trails).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for mapping urban areas.

  He has a talent for mapping urban areas.

  • "For *mapping* urban areas" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *mapping* urban areas).

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

• plan
• decide
• attempt
• wish
• choose

Example

They plan to map the city for their new guidebook.

He decided to map the area to locate potential resources.

We attempted to map the underwater caves.

She wishes to map the stars and galaxies.

They chose to map the ancient ruins.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine
• discuss

Example

Experts recommend mapping the forest to identify endangered species.

I avoid mapping in extreme weather conditions.

They are considering mapping the entire coastline.

Can you imagine mapping unexplored territories?

We discussed the importance of mapping archaeological sites.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to map out her travel routes. She likes mapping out her travel routes.

We started to map the forest for conservation purposes. We started mapping the forest for conservation purposes.

He began to map the neighborhood for his research. He began mapping the neighborhood for his research.