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To Perceive vs Perceiving 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 perceive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to perceive the world from different perspectives.

Perceiving (Gerund)

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

Example

Perceiving the subtle changes in his behavior, she knew something was wrong.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To perceive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To perceive is to understand.

    To perceive is to understand.

    • "*To perceive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (to understand).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to perceive the beauty of nature.

    She wants me to perceive the beauty of nature.

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

    I need a new pair of glasses to perceive better.

    I need a new pair of glasses to perceive better.

    • "*To perceive* better" modifies the noun "pair of glasses."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new pair of glasses *to perceive* better).

Perceiving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Perceiving is a valuable skill.

    Perceiving is a valuable skill.

    • "*Perceiving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy perceiving the beauty of art.

    I enjoy perceiving the beauty of art.

    • "*Perceiving* the beauty of art" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*perceiving* the beauty of art).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for perceiving people's emotions.

    She has a talent for perceiving people's emotions.

    • "For *perceiving* people's emotions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *perceiving* people's emotions).

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 agreed to perceive the situation differently.

I wish to perceive the world through your eyes.

He attempted to perceive the hidden meaning of the painting.

We decided to perceive the issue from multiple angles.

The audience demanded to perceive the truth behind the story.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He considers perceiving others' perspectives important in decision-making.

They recommend perceiving the subtle details in the artwork.

I avoid perceiving negativity in every situation.

Can you imagine yourself perceiving the world through a different lens?

She doesn't mind perceiving the challenges as opportunities.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to perceive things from a different angle. I like perceiving things from a different angle.

They started to perceive the world in a more positive way. They started perceiving the world in a more positive way.

He began to perceive the hidden patterns in the data. He began perceiving the hidden patterns in the data.

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