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To Mine vs Mining 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 mine (Infinitive)

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

Example

They plan to mine for gold in the mountains.

Mining (Gerund)

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

Example

Mining can have a significant impact on the environment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To mine (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To mine is a dangerous occupation.

    To mine is a dangerous occupation.

    • "*To mine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a dangerous occupation).
  • 2Object

    She wants him to mine diamonds for her.

    She wants him to mine diamonds for her.

    • "Him *to mine* diamonds for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to mine* diamonds for her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a permit to mine in this area.

    We need a permit to mine in this area.

    • "*To mine* in this area" modifies the noun "permit."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a permit *to mine* in this area).

Mining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Mining is an important industry in this region.

    Mining is an important industry in this region.

    • "*Mining*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important industry in this region).
  • 2Object

    They enjoy mining for precious stones.

    They enjoy mining for precious stones.

    • "*Mining* for precious stones" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*mining* for precious stones).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has experience in mining gold.

    He has experience in mining gold.

    • "In *mining* gold" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *mining* gold).

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

He hopes to mine rare minerals in the caves.

They want to mine for coal in the valley.

She refuses to mine in unsafe conditions.

We attempted to mine silver but failed.

He chose to mine for copper as his career.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids mining in protected areas.

They are considering mining for iron ore.

Experts recommend responsible mining practices.

He resisted mining in the national park.

I understand the importance of sustainable mining.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

We would like to mine for diamonds. We would like mining for diamonds.

He started to mine in his early twenties. He started mining in his early twenties.

She began to mine in the remote areas. She began mining in the remote areas.

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