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To Need vs Needing 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 need (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to need a break from work.

Needing (Gerund)

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

Example

Needing assistance is not a sign of weakness.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To need (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To need is a basic human requirement.

    To need is a basic human requirement.

    • "*To need*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human requirement).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to need her help.

    She wants me to need her help.

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

    I have a desire to need less sleep.

    I have a desire to need less sleep.

    • "*To need* less sleep" modifies the noun "desire."
    • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a desire *to need* less sleep).

Needing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Needing help is common in difficult situations.

    Needing help is common in difficult situations.

    • "*Needing* help" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (common in difficult situations).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy needing others' input for brainstorming.

    I enjoy needing others' input for brainstorming.

    • "*Needing* others' input for brainstorming" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*needing* others' input for brainstorming).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of needing help.

    She has a fear of needing help.

    • "Of *needing* help" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *needing* help).

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 need more time to finish the project.

They hope to need less money for their vacation.

He wants to need fewer resources for the task.

We decided to need additional support for the event.

They agreed to need more practice before the performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys needing challenges to stay motivated.

They recommend seeking help when needing guidance.

I dislike the feeling of needing constant reassurance.

He avoids situations that result in needing assistance.

Can you imagine needing someone's support during a crisis?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to need time alone. She likes needing time alone.

We started to need more resources. We started needing more resources.

He began to need help with his studies. He began needing help with his studies.

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