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To Own vs Owning 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 own (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to own a house in the countryside.

Owning (Gerund)

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

Example

Owning a home is a significant achievement.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To own (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To own a car is a necessity for many people.

    To own a car is a necessity for many people.

    • "*To own* a car" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessity for many people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to own the business.

    She wants me to own the business.

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

    I need a place to own my creativity.

    I need a place to own my creativity.

    • "*To own* my creativity" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a place *to own* my creativity).

Owning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Owning a dog requires responsibility and commitment.

    Owning a dog requires responsibility and commitment.

    • "*Owning* a dog" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (responsibility and commitment).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy owning my own business.

    I enjoy owning my own business.

    • "*Owning* my own business" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*owning* my own business).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for owning vintage cars.

    She has a passion for owning vintage cars.

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

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

We decided to own a pet together.

They hope to own a beach house someday.

He wants to own a luxury yacht.

She plans to own her own business one day.

They refused to own any pets in their apartment.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys owning a large collection of artwork.

They recommend owning a reliable car for commuting.

He avoids owning expensive gadgets.

I am considering owning a small business.

Do you mind owning a pet in your apartment?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to own her own house. She likes owning her own house.

We started to own a company together. We started owning a company together.

He began to own multiple properties. He began owning multiple properties.

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