To Overcome vs Overcoming 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 overcome (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to overcome my fear of public speaking.

Overcoming (Gerund)

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

Example

Overcoming obstacles requires perseverance and determination.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overcome (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To overcome challenges is a part of life.

  To overcome challenges is a part of life.

  • "*To overcome* challenges" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a part of life).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to overcome my fear.

  She wants me to overcome my fear.

  • "Me *to overcome* my fear" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to overcome* my fear).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need motivation to overcome obstacles.

  I need motivation to overcome obstacles.

  • "*To overcome* obstacles" modifies the noun "motivation."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (motivation *to overcome* obstacles).

Overcoming (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Overcoming fear is a personal journey.

  Overcoming fear is a personal journey.

  • "*Overcoming* fear" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a personal journey).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy overcoming challenges.

  I enjoy overcoming challenges.

  • "*Overcoming* challenges" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overcoming* challenges).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for overcoming obstacles.

  She has a passion for overcoming obstacles.

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

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
• struggle
• manage
• hope
• want

Example

He decided to overcome his fear of heights and go skydiving.

They struggled to overcome their differences and find common ground.

She managed to overcome the obstacles and achieve her goals.

I hope to overcome this challenge and come out stronger.

We want to overcome the limitations and reach new heights.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys overcoming difficulties and proving himself.

They recommend overcoming self-doubt for personal growth.

I am considering overcoming my fear of heights by going on a hot air balloon ride.

She avoids overcoming challenges by taking the easy way out.

Can you imagine the feeling of accomplishment after overcoming a major obstacle?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to overcome my fears and achieve success. I like overcoming obstacles and pushing myself to the limit.

He started to overcome his weaknesses and become a better version of himself. He started overcoming his insecurities and embracing his true self.

She began to overcome her past traumas and heal. She began overcoming her fears and living a fearless life.