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Which is the correct expression?

To Pay vs Paying 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 pay (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to pay my bills before the due date.

Paying (Gerund)

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

Example

Paying bills on time is important to maintain a good credit score.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pay (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pay is a responsibility that everyone has.

    To pay is a responsibility that everyone has.

    • "*To pay*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a responsibility that everyone has).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to pay for her dinner.

    She wants me to pay for her dinner.

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

    He needs a loan to pay off his debts.

    He needs a loan to pay off his debts.

    • "*To pay* off his debts" modifies the noun "loan."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a loan *to pay* off his debts).

Paying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Paying bills promptly shows financial responsibility.

    Paying bills promptly shows financial responsibility.

    • "*Paying* bills promptly" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (shows) + noun phrase (financial responsibility).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy paying for dinner with friends.

    I enjoy paying for dinner with friends.

    • "*Paying* for dinner with friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*paying* for dinner with friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of paying in cash.

    She has a habit of paying in cash.

    • "Of *paying* in cash" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *paying* in cash).

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 decided to pay in cash for the car.

The company offered to pay for her relocation expenses.

He refused to pay for the damaged item.

We attempted to pay online, but the system was down.

I hope to pay off my student loans soon.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids paying late fees by setting up automatic payments.

We are considering paying for the upgrade to get additional features.

Experts recommend paying off high-interest debts first.

Do you mind paying for your own meal?

I can't imagine paying such a high price for a ticket.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pay with cash. She likes paying with cash.

They began to pay their employees monthly. They began paying their employees monthly.

He continues to pay his bills online. He continues paying his bills online.

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