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To Outperform vs Outperforming 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 outperform (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to outperform my competitors in the sales pitch.

Outperforming (Gerund)

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

Example

Outperforming others gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To outperform (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To outperform is my main goal in this project.

    To outperform is my main goal in this project.

    • "*To outperform*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my main goal in this project).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to outperform the other team members.

    She wants me to outperform the other team members.

    • "Me *to outperform* the other team members" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to outperform* the other team members).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a strategy to outperform the competition.

    I need a strategy to outperform the competition.

    • "*To outperform* the competition" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to outperform* the competition).

Outperforming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Outperforming others requires dedication and hard work.

    Outperforming others requires dedication and hard work.

    • "*Outperforming* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and hard work).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy outperforming my competitors in business.

    I enjoy outperforming my competitors in business.

    • "*Outperforming* my competitors in business" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*outperforming* my competitors in business).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for outperforming her peers.

    She has a talent for outperforming her peers.

    • "For *outperforming* her peers" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *outperforming* her peers).

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 outperform her previous performance in the next event.

They hope to outperform their sales target this quarter.

He wants to outperform his colleagues in the upcoming promotion.

We decided to outperform our competitors by offering better services.

They agreed to outperform their own records in the upcoming competition.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys outperforming others in sports competitions.

They recommend outperforming your previous achievements for personal growth.

I dislike the feeling of outperforming others in a competitive environment.

He avoids outperforming his teammates to maintain harmony within the team.

Can you imagine yourself outperforming the industry leaders in your field?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to outperform her rivals in the market. She likes outperforming her rivals in the market.

We started to outperform our competitors in terms of customer satisfaction. We started outperforming our competitors in terms of customer satisfaction.

He began to outperform his own expectations in his career. He began outperforming his own expectations in his career.

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