To Obtain vs Obtaining Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To obtain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to obtain a copy of that book.

Obtaining (Gerund)

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

Example

Obtaining a scholarship can be a competitive process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To obtain (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To obtain a visa is a lengthy process.

  To obtain a visa is a lengthy process.

  • "*To obtain* a visa" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lengthy process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to obtain the necessary documents.

  She wants me to obtain the necessary documents.

  • "Me *to obtain* the necessary documents" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to obtain* the necessary documents).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a permit to obtain access to the restricted area.

  We need a permit to obtain access to the restricted area.

  • "*To obtain* access to the restricted area" modifies the noun "permit."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a permit *to obtain* access to the restricted area).

Obtaining (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Obtaining a driver's license requires passing a test.

  Obtaining a driver's license requires passing a test.

  • "*Obtaining* a driver's license" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (passing a test).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy obtaining rare collectibles.

  I enjoy obtaining rare collectibles.

  • "*Obtaining* rare collectibles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*obtaining* rare collectibles).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for obtaining useful information.

  He has a talent for obtaining useful information.

  • "For *obtaining* useful information" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *obtaining* useful information).

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

• plan
• hope
• decide
• agree
• wish

Example

They plan to obtain a loan for their new business.

I hope to obtain tickets to the concert.

He decided to obtain a master's degree in psychology.

We agreed to obtain more information before making a decision.

She wishes to obtain a promotion at work.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• delay
• imagine

Example

They recommend obtaining a certification for career advancement.

She is considering obtaining a second degree.

He avoids obtaining unnecessary expenses.

We delayed obtaining the results until further notice.

Can you imagine obtaining your dream job?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to obtain rare artifacts. They like obtaining rare artifacts.

He started to obtain more information about the topic. He started obtaining more information about the topic.

We began to obtain funding for the project. We began obtaining funding for the project.