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 challenging process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To obtain (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To obtain a visa, you need to submit certain documents.

  To obtain a visa, you need to submit certain documents.

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

  She wants me to obtain the necessary information.

  She wants me to obtain the necessary information.

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

  We need a key to obtain access to the building.

  We need a key to obtain access to the building.

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

Obtaining (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Obtaining a driver's license requires passing a test.

  Obtaining a driver's license requires passing a test.

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

  He enjoys obtaining rare collectibles.

  He enjoys obtaining rare collectibles.

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

  They have a talent for obtaining valuable information.

  They have a talent for obtaining valuable information.

  • "For *obtaining* valuable information" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *obtaining* valuable 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

• decide
• plan
• hope
• wish
• refuse

Example

They decided to obtain a loan for their new business.

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

We hope to obtain tickets for the concert.

I wish to obtain more information about the project.

She refused to obtain permission for the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• mind
• delay

Example

She recommends obtaining a second opinion before making a decision.

He avoids obtaining unnecessary expenses.

We are considering obtaining a loan for home renovations.

Do you mind obtaining a copy of the report for me?

They delayed obtaining the required permits.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to obtain a promotion at work. I would like obtaining a promotion at work.

She started to obtain her driver's license. She started obtaining her driver's license.

He began to obtain the necessary qualifications. He began obtaining the necessary qualifications.