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To Pray vs Praying 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 pray (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pray for peace in the world.

Praying (Gerund)

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

Example

Praying brings solace during difficult times.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pray (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To pray is a form of meditation.

    To pray is a form of meditation.

    • "*To pray*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of meditation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to pray with her.

    She wants me to pray with her.

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

    I need a quiet space to pray in.

    I need a quiet space to pray in.

    • "*To pray* in" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet space *to pray* in).

Praying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Praying helps to calm the mind.

    Praying helps to calm the mind.

    • "*Praying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (to calm the mind).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy praying in the morning.

    I enjoy praying in the morning.

    • "*Praying* in the morning" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*praying* in the morning).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a deep faith in praying.

    She has a deep faith in praying.

    • "In *praying*" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a deep faith in *praying*).

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 hope to pray for a miracle.

He plans to pray at the temple tomorrow.

She wants to pray for guidance.

We decided to pray together as a family.

They refused to pray at the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend regular praying for inner peace.

He avoids praying in public places.

I am considering praying for forgiveness.

Do you mind praying silently?

Can you imagine yourself praying at the holy shrine?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to pray in the church. She likes praying in the church.

We began to pray together every night. We began praying together every night.

He continues to pray for strength. He continues praying for strength.

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