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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 with cash can help you budget better.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pay (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pay is a financial responsibility.

    To pay is a financial responsibility.

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

    She wants me to pay for dinner.

    She wants me to pay for dinner.

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

    He needs a job to pay his bills.

    He needs a job to pay his bills.

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

Paying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Paying in installments is an option.

    Paying in installments is an option.

    • "*Paying* in installments" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an option).
  • 2Object

    They enjoy paying their bills online.

    They enjoy paying their bills online.

    • "*Paying* their bills online" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*paying* their bills online).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a habit of paying with credit cards.

    He has a habit of paying with credit cards.

    • "Of *paying* with credit cards" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *paying* with credit cards).

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 plan to pay off their mortgage in five years.

I hope to pay for my vacation with my bonus.

She wants to pay for her own education.

He decided to pay for the repairs himself.

We agreed to pay our share of the expenses.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys paying for her shopping with cash.

They recommend paying off debts as soon as possible.

He avoids paying unnecessary fees.

Can you imagine yourself paying off your mortgage early?

I don't mind paying extra for good service.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pay with a credit card. She likes paying with a credit card.

We started to pay our bills online. We started paying our bills online.

He began to pay attention to his financial situation. He began paying attention to his financial situation.

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