Help center

To Navigate vs Navigating 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 navigate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to navigate through the city using a map.

Navigating (Gerund)

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

Example

Navigating through traffic can be challenging during rush hour.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To navigate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To navigate is an essential skill for sailors.

    To navigate is an essential skill for sailors.

    • "*To navigate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill for sailors).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to navigate the car to the destination.

    She wants me to navigate the car to the destination.

    • "Me *to navigate* the car to the destination" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to navigate* the car to the destination).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reliable GPS to navigate unfamiliar roads.

    I need a reliable GPS to navigate unfamiliar roads.

    • "*To navigate* unfamiliar roads" modifies the noun "GPS."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable GPS *to navigate* unfamiliar roads).

Navigating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Navigating in a new city can be exciting.

    Navigating in a new city can be exciting.

    • "*Navigating* in a new city" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (exciting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy navigating the open sea.

    I enjoy navigating the open sea.

    • "*Navigating* the open sea" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*navigating* the open sea).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for navigating complex systems.

    She has a talent for navigating complex systems.

    • "For *navigating* complex systems" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *navigating* complex systems).

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 navigate the hiking trail next weekend.

They hope to navigate the river without any difficulties.

He wants to navigate the maze and find the treasure.

We decided to navigate the forest using a compass.

They agreed to navigate the city together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys navigating through the forest on her hikes.

They recommend practicing navigating in different weather conditions.

I avoid navigating crowded streets during peak hours.

Have you ever considered navigating a sailing boat?

Can you imagine yourself navigating through dense fog?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to navigate using a GPS device. She likes navigating in unfamiliar places.

We started to navigate our way through the maze. We started navigating the river.

He began to navigate the hiking trail. He began navigating the city streets.

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!