Help center

To Model vs Modeling 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 model (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to model for a fashion show.

Modeling (Gerund)

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

Example

Modeling is a competitive industry.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To model (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To model is her dream career.

    To model is her dream career.

    • "*To model*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her dream career).
  • 2Object

    He asked me to model his clothing line.

    He asked me to model his clothing line.

    • "Me *to model* his clothing line" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (He) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to model* his clothing line).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    She needs a photographer to model for.

    She needs a photographer to model for.

    • "*To model* for" modifies the noun "photographer."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a photographer *to model* for).

Modeling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Modeling requires hard work and dedication.

    Modeling requires hard work and dedication.

    • "*Modeling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and dedication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy modeling different outfits.

    I enjoy modeling different outfits.

    • "*Modeling* different outfits" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*modeling* different outfits).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for modeling.

    She has a passion for modeling.

    • "For *modeling*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *modeling*).

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 model in Paris next year.

They hope to model for famous designers someday.

He wants to model on the runway.

We decided to model for a magazine shoot.

They agreed to model together for a photoshoot.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys modeling for fashion shows.

They recommend pursuing a career in modeling for those interested in fashion.

I dislike the idea of modeling for a living.

He avoids modeling in controversial advertisements.

Can you imagine yourself modeling on the cover of a magazine?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to model different styles of clothing. She likes modeling different styles of clothing.

We started to model professionally. We started modeling professionally.

He began to model at a young age. He began modeling at a young age.

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!