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Which is the correct expression?

To Owe vs Owing 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 owe (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to owe you the money by next week.

Owing (Gerund)

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

Example

Owing money can lead to financial difficulties.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To owe (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To owe money is a stressful situation.

    To owe money is a stressful situation.

    • "*To owe* money" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (money).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to owe her a favor.

    She wants me to owe her a favor.

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

    I need a pen to owe my friend.

    I need a pen to owe my friend.

    • "*To owe* my friend" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to owe* my friend).

Owing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Owing a debt can be overwhelming.

    Owing a debt can be overwhelming.

    • "*Owing* a debt" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (overwhelming).
  • 2Object

    I dislike owing people money.

    I dislike owing people money.

    • "*Owing* people money" is the object of the verb "dislike."
    • Noun (I) + verb (dislike) + gerund (*owing* people money).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of owing large amounts of money.

    She has a fear of owing large amounts of money.

    • "Of *owing* large amounts of money" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *owing* large amounts of money).

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 agreed to owe him the money by the end of the month.

He promised to owe her a favor in return.

We want to owe them a debt of gratitude for their help.

She refused to owe them any explanation for her actions.

They attempted to owe him an apology for their mistake.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids owing any debts by paying his bills on time.

They recommend avoiding owing too much money to creditors.

I am considering owing him an apology for my behavior.

Do you mind owing me a small amount of money until next week?

She delayed owing them the payment until she received her paycheck.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They would like to owe you a favor. They would like owing you a favor.

He started to owe money to multiple creditors. He started owing money to multiple creditors.

We began to owe a significant amount of money. We began owing a significant amount of money.

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!