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To Pedal vs Pedaling 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 pedal (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pedal my bike faster.

Pedaling (Gerund)

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

Example

Pedaling uphill requires strength and endurance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pedal (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pedal is a great way to exercise your legs.

    To pedal is a great way to exercise your legs.

    • "*To pedal*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to exercise your legs).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to pedal her bike.

    She wants me to pedal her bike.

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

    I need a new bike to pedal long distances.

    I need a new bike to pedal long distances.

    • "*To pedal* long distances" modifies the noun "bike."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new bike *to pedal* long distances).

Pedaling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Pedaling is an essential skill in cycling.

    Pedaling is an essential skill in cycling.

    • "*Pedaling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill in cycling).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy pedaling my bike in the park.

    I enjoy pedaling my bike in the park.

    • "*Pedaling* my bike in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pedaling* my bike in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for pedaling.

    She has a passion for pedaling.

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

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 pedal for 20 miles tomorrow.

They hope to pedal in the mountainous region during their vacation.

He wants to pedal his bike faster.

We decided to pedal to the park this weekend.

They agreed to pedal together in the race.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys pedaling on her stationary bike every morning.

They recommend regular pedaling for cardiovascular health.

I dislike the feeling of pedaling uphill.

He avoids pedaling in heavy traffic areas.

Can you imagine yourself pedaling through beautiful landscapes?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pedal her bicycle in the park. She likes pedaling her bicycle in the park.

We started to pedal together as a team. We started pedaling together as a team.

He began to pedal his bike every day. He began pedaling his bike every day.

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