Help center

To Overdo vs Overdoing 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 overdo (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to overdo it to make sure everything is perfect.

Overdoing (Gerund)

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

Example

Overdoing things can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overdo (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To overdo is a common mistake when trying to impress others.

    To overdo is a common mistake when trying to impress others.

    • "*To overdo*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common mistake when trying to impress others).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to overdo the decorations for the party.

    She wants me to overdo the decorations for the party.

    • "Me *to overdo* the decorations for the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to overdo* the decorations for the party).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a reminder to overdo things.

    He needs a reminder to overdo things.

    • "*To overdo* things" modifies the noun "reminder."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reminder *to overdo* things).

Overdoing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Overdoing can be detrimental to your health.

    Overdoing can be detrimental to your health.

    • "*Overdoing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (detrimental to your health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy overdoing my workouts at the gym.

    I enjoy overdoing my workouts at the gym.

    • "*Overdoing* my workouts at the gym" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overdoing* my workouts at the gym).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a tendency for overdoing things.

    She has a tendency for overdoing things.

    • "For *overdoing* things" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a tendency for *overdoing* things).

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

They plan to overdo the surprise for her birthday.

We hope to overdo the decorations for the event.

He wants to overdo his performance at the talent show.

She decided to overdo her makeup for the party.

They agreed to overdo the presentation to impress their boss.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys overdoing his hobbies on weekends.

They recommend avoiding overdoing work to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

I dislike the idea of overdoing social media.

She avoids overdoing spicy food to prevent stomach issues.

Can you imagine yourself overdoing your exercise routine and getting injured?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to overdo things to ensure success. She likes overdoing things to ensure success.

He started to overdo his studying to improve his grades. He started overdoing his studying to improve his grades.

We began to overdo our preparations for the event. We began overdoing our preparations for the event.

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!