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To Outspeed vs Outspeeding 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 outspeed (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to outspeed my competitors in the race.

Outspeeding (Gerund)

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

Example

Outspeeding your opponents requires skill and practice.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To outspeed (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To outspeed is his ultimate goal.

    To outspeed is his ultimate goal.

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

    She wants me to outspeed the other players.

    She wants me to outspeed the other players.

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

    I need a faster car to outspeed my opponents.

    I need a faster car to outspeed my opponents.

    • "*To outspeed* my opponents" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a faster car *to outspeed* my opponents).

Outspeeding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Outspeeding is a key strategy in racing.

    Outspeeding is a key strategy in racing.

    • "*Outspeeding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key strategy in racing).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy outspeeding my competitors in every race.

    I enjoy outspeeding my competitors in every race.

    • "*Outspeeding* my competitors in every race" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*outspeeding* my competitors in every race).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for outspeeding others.

    He has a talent for outspeeding others.

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

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 outspeed his rivals in the next race.

They hope to outspeed the competition during the tournament.

She wants to outspeed everyone on the track.

We decided to outspeed our opponents by improving our technique.

They agreed to outspeed each other in a friendly competition.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys outspeeding her opponents in sprint races.

They recommend regular outspeeding practice for better performance.

I dislike the idea of outspeeding without proper training.

He avoids outspeeding in dangerous situations.

Can you imagine yourself outspeeding professional athletes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to outspeed his rivals at the start of the race. He likes outspeeding his rivals at the start of the race.

We started to outspeed our opponents right from the beginning. We started outspeeding our opponents right from the beginning.

She began to outspeed other swimmers in her early teens. She began outspeeding other swimmers in her early teens.

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