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To Overspend vs Overspending 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 overspend (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to overspend on a vacation.

Overspending (Gerund)

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

Example

Overspending can lead to financial problems.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overspend (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To overspend is a bad financial habit.

    To overspend is a bad financial habit.

    • "*To overspend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a bad financial habit).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to overspend on expensive gifts.

    She wants me to overspend on expensive gifts.

    • "Me *to overspend* on expensive gifts" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to overspend* on expensive gifts).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a budget to overspend on unnecessary items.

    I need a budget to overspend on unnecessary items.

    • "*To overspend* on unnecessary items" modifies the noun "budget."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a budget *to overspend* on unnecessary items).

Overspending (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Overspending is a common issue among young adults.

    Overspending is a common issue among young adults.

    • "*Overspending*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common issue among young adults).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy overspending on luxury items.

    I enjoy overspending on luxury items.

    • "*Overspending* on luxury items" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overspending* on luxury items).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a problem with overspending.

    She has a problem with overspending.

    • "With *overspending*" is the object of the preposition "with."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a problem with *overspending*).

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 overspend on a new car next month.

They hope to overspend on designer clothes during the sale.

She wants to overspend on a luxurious vacation.

We decided to overspend on home renovations.

They agreed to overspend on a fancy dinner together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys overspending on gadgets and electronics.

They recommend avoiding overspending for better financial stability.

I dislike the habit of overspending on unnecessary things.

She avoids overspending by sticking to a strict budget.

Can you imagine overspending on a single shopping spree?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to overspend on my hobbies. I like overspending on my hobbies.

They started to overspend after getting their first credit card. They started overspending after getting their first credit card.

He began to overspend when he got his bonus. He began overspending when he got his bonus.

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