To Prepare vs Preparing 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 prepare (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to prepare a delicious meal for my family.

Preparing (Gerund)

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

Example

Preparing meals in advance can save you time during the week.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prepare (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To prepare is an essential skill in the kitchen.

  To prepare is an essential skill in the kitchen.

  • "*To prepare*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential skill in the kitchen).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to prepare dinner tonight.

  She wants me to prepare dinner tonight.

  • "Me *to prepare* dinner tonight" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to prepare* dinner tonight).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need fresh ingredients to prepare a tasty dish.

  I need fresh ingredients to prepare a tasty dish.

  • "*To prepare* a tasty dish" modifies the noun "ingredients."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (fresh ingredients *to prepare* a tasty dish).

Preparing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Preparing healthy meals is important for maintaining a balanced diet.

  Preparing healthy meals is important for maintaining a balanced diet.

  • "*Preparing* healthy meals" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for maintaining a balanced diet).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy preparing elaborate dishes for special occasions.

  I enjoy preparing elaborate dishes for special occasions.

  • "*Preparing* elaborate dishes for special occasions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*preparing* elaborate dishes for special occasions).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for preparing gourmet meals.

  She has a talent for preparing gourmet meals.

  • "For *preparing* gourmet meals" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *preparing* gourmet meals).

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 prepare a special surprise for her friend's birthday.

They hope to prepare a successful presentation for their clients.

He wants to prepare for the upcoming exam.

We decided to prepare a homemade meal for our anniversary.

They agreed to prepare a detailed report together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys preparing breakfast for her family every morning.

They recommend preparing a weekly meal plan for better nutrition.

I dislike the process of preparing complicated recipes.

He avoids preparing meals that require too much time and effort.

Can you imagine yourself preparing a five-course dinner for a party?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to prepare her own meals. She likes preparing her own meals.

We started to prepare for the exam early. We started preparing for the exam early.

He began to prepare the ingredients for the recipe. He began preparing the ingredients for the recipe.