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To Prefer vs Preferring 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 prefer (Infinitive)

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

Example

I prefer to swim in the morning.

Preferring (Gerund)

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

Example

Preferring swimming over running is a personal preference.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prefer (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To prefer to swim is a personal choice.

    To prefer to swim is a personal choice.

    • "*To prefer to swim*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a personal choice).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to prefer to swim in the pool.

    She wants me to prefer to swim in the pool.

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

    I need a calm environment to prefer to swim.

    I need a calm environment to prefer to swim.

    • "*To prefer to swim*" modifies the noun "calm environment."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calm environment *to prefer to swim*).

Preferring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Preferring swimming is a common choice among athletes.

    Preferring swimming is a common choice among athletes.

    • "*Preferring swimming*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common choice among athletes).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy preferring swimming as my exercise routine.

    I enjoy preferring swimming as my exercise routine.

    • "*Preferring swimming* as my exercise routine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*preferring swimming* as my exercise routine).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for preferring swimming as her hobby.

    She has a passion for preferring swimming as her hobby.

    • "For *preferring swimming*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *preferring swimming* as her hobby).

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 prefer to swim in the lake tomorrow.

They hope to prefer to swim with dolphins during their vacation.

He wants to prefer to swim in the open water.

We decided to prefer to swim at the beach this weekend.

They agreed to prefer to swim in the race together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys preferring swimming in the pool every evening.

They recommend regular preferring swimming for better health.

I dislike the idea of preferring swimming in cold water.

He avoids preferring swimming in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself preferring swimming with sharks?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to prefer to swim in the ocean. She likes preferring swimming in the ocean.

We started to prefer to swim competitively. We started preferring swimming competitively.

He began to prefer to swim every morning. He began preferring swimming every morning.

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