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To Pass vs Passing 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 pass (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pass the exam with flying colors.

Passing (Gerund)

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

Example

Passing the exam requires a lot of preparation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pass (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pass is my ultimate goal.

    To pass is my ultimate goal.

    • "*To pass*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my ultimate goal).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to pass the ball to her.

    She wants me to pass the ball to her.

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

    I need a good strategy to pass the level.

    I need a good strategy to pass the level.

    • "*To pass* the level" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good strategy *to pass* the level).

Passing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Passing is not always easy.

    Passing is not always easy.

    • "*Passing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always easy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy passing the ball to my teammates.

    I enjoy passing the ball to my teammates.

    • "*Passing* the ball to my teammates" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*passing* the ball to my teammates).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for passing difficult exams.

    She has a talent for passing difficult exams.

    • "For *passing* difficult exams" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *passing* difficult exams).

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

She plans to pass the test with extensive studying.

They hope to pass the course with a high grade.

He wants to pass the driving test on his first attempt.

We decided to pass the challenge by working together.

They agreed to pass the information to the team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys passing the finish line in first place.

They recommend regular passing exercises for better coordination.

I dislike the idea of passing time without being productive.

He avoids passing up opportunities for personal growth.

Can you imagine yourself passing the final exam with flying colors?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pass the ball quickly. She likes passing the ball quickly.

We started to pass the baton smoothly. We started passing the baton smoothly.

He began to pass the information to his team. He began passing the information to his team.

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