Help center

To Outrun vs Outrunning Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 outrun (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to outrun my opponents in the race.

Outrunning (Gerund)

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

Example

Outrunning others gives him a sense of accomplishment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To outrun (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To outrun is his ultimate goal.

    To outrun is his ultimate goal.

    • "*To outrun*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his ultimate goal).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to outrun her in the marathon.

    She wants me to outrun her in the marathon.

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

    I need good shoes to outrun my competitors.

    I need good shoes to outrun my competitors.

    • "Good shoes *to outrun* my competitors" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (good shoes *to outrun* my competitors).

Outrunning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Outrunning is a challenging task.

    Outrunning is a challenging task.

    • "*Outrunning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging task).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy outrunning my own limits.

    I enjoy outrunning my own limits.

    • "*Outrunning* my own limits" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*outrunning* my own limits).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for outrunning her competitors.

    She has a passion for outrunning her competitors.

    • "For *outrunning* her competitors" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *outrunning* her competitors).

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

He plans to outrun his personal best in the next race.

They hope to outrun the storm and reach the finish line.

She wants to outrun her previous record.

We decided to outrun our rivals in the upcoming competition.

They agreed to outrun each other in a friendly race.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys outrunning his friends in friendly competitions.

They recommend regular outrunning for better cardiovascular health.

I dislike the feeling of outrunning my own stamina.

She avoids outrunning in extreme weather conditions.

Can you imagine yourself outrunning professional athletes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to outrun his opponents in every race. He likes outrunning his opponents in every race.

We started to outrun together as a team. We started outrunning together as a team.

She began to outrun her own fears and limitations. She began outrunning her own fears and limitations.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!