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To Negotiate vs Negotiating 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 negotiate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to negotiate a better deal for our company.

Negotiating (Gerund)

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

Example

Negotiating requires good communication and problem-solving skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To negotiate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To negotiate is an essential skill in business.

    To negotiate is an essential skill in business.

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

    She wants me to negotiate the contract terms.

    She wants me to negotiate the contract terms.

    • "Me *to negotiate* the contract terms" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to negotiate* the contract terms).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a skilled negotiator to negotiate the deal.

    We need a skilled negotiator to negotiate the deal.

    • "*To negotiate* the deal" modifies the noun "negotiator."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a skilled negotiator *to negotiate* the deal).

Negotiating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Negotiating is a key component of successful business deals.

    Negotiating is a key component of successful business deals.

    • "*Negotiating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key component of successful business deals).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy negotiating with clients to find mutually beneficial solutions.

    I enjoy negotiating with clients to find mutually beneficial solutions.

    • "*Negotiating* with clients to find mutually beneficial solutions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*negotiating* with clients to find mutually beneficial solutions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a talent for negotiating complex contracts.

    They have a talent for negotiating complex contracts.

    • "For *negotiating* complex contracts" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *negotiating* complex contracts).

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

They hope to negotiate a fair price for the house.

I decided to negotiate with the supplier for better terms.

He refused to negotiate any further.

We attempted to negotiate a settlement with the opposing party.

She wished to negotiate a compromise that would satisfy both parties.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids negotiating with difficult clients.

We are considering negotiating a partnership agreement.

Experts recommend negotiating a win-win solution.

I don't mind negotiating the terms of the contract.

They decided to postpone negotiating until next week.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to negotiate deals that benefit both parties. She likes negotiating deals that benefit both parties.

We started to negotiate the terms of the agreement. We started negotiating the terms of the agreement.

He began to negotiate with the union representatives. He began negotiating with the union representatives.

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