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To Multiply vs Multiplying 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 multiply (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to multiply my savings by investing in stocks.

Multiplying (Gerund)

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

Example

Multiplying two negative numbers gives a positive result.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To multiply (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To multiply is an important mathematical operation.

    To multiply is an important mathematical operation.

    • "*To multiply*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important mathematical operation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to multiply the numbers for her.

    She wants me to multiply the numbers for her.

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

    I need a calculator to multiply large numbers.

    I need a calculator to multiply large numbers.

    • "*To multiply* large numbers" modifies the noun "calculator."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calculator *to multiply* large numbers).

Multiplying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Multiplying requires a good understanding of arithmetic.

    Multiplying requires a good understanding of arithmetic.

    • "*Multiplying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a good understanding of arithmetic).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy multiplying complex equations.

    I enjoy multiplying complex equations.

    • "*Multiplying* complex equations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*multiplying* complex equations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for multiplying numbers quickly.

    She has a talent for multiplying numbers quickly.

    • "For *multiplying* numbers quickly" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *multiplying* numbers quickly).

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 plans to multiply his investment by diversifying his portfolio.

They hope to multiply their profits by expanding into new markets.

She wants to multiply her knowledge by taking advanced courses.

We decided to multiply our chances of success by forming a strategic partnership.

They agreed to multiply their efforts to achieve their goals.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys multiplying matrices in linear algebra.

They recommend multiplying fractions to practice division skills.

I dislike the process of multiplying decimals.

She avoids multiplying large numbers manually.

Can you imagine yourself multiplying complex polynomials?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to multiply numbers in my head. I like multiplying numbers in my head.

We started to multiply when we learned basic arithmetic. We started multiplying when we learned basic arithmetic.

He began to multiply fractions in middle school. He began multiplying fractions in middle school.

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