To Persist vs Persisting Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To persist (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to persist in pursuing my dreams.

Persisting (Gerund)

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

Example

Persisting in your goals will lead you to success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To persist (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To persist is the key to success.

  To persist is the key to success.

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

  She wants me to persist in my efforts.

  She wants me to persist in my efforts.

  • "Me *to persist* in my efforts" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to persist* in my efforts).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong mindset to persist in challenging situations.

  I need a strong mindset to persist in challenging situations.

  • "*To persist* in challenging situations" modifies the noun "mindset."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong mindset *to persist* in challenging situations).

Persisting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Persisting requires determination and perseverance.

  Persisting requires determination and perseverance.

  • "*Persisting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (determination and perseverance).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy persisting in my creative pursuits.

  I enjoy persisting in my creative pursuits.

  • "*Persisting* in my creative pursuits" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*persisting* in my creative pursuits).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for persisting despite obstacles.

  She has a passion for persisting despite obstacles.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to persist in her studies until she graduates.

They hope to persist in their relationship despite the challenges.

He wants to persist in his training to become a professional athlete.

We decided to persist in finding a solution to the problem.

They agreed to persist in their efforts to save the environment.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys persisting in her hobbies and interests.

They recommend persisting in learning new skills for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of persisting in a job that makes me unhappy.

He avoids persisting in negative thoughts and emotions.

Can you imagine yourself persisting in your goals against all odds?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to persist in her work until it is completed. She likes persisting in her work until it is completed.

We started to persist in our efforts to make a difference. We started persisting in our efforts to make a difference.

He began to persist in practicing every day. He began persisting in practicing every day.