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To Prescribe vs Prescribing 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 prescribe (Infinitive)

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

Example

The doctor will prescribe medication to treat your illness.

Prescribing (Gerund)

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

Example

Prescribing medication is an important responsibility for doctors.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prescribe (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To prescribe medication requires a medical degree.

    To prescribe medication requires a medical degree.

    • "*To prescribe* medication" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a medical degree).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to prescribe a stronger dosage.

    She wants me to prescribe a stronger dosage.

    • "Me *to prescribe* a stronger dosage" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to prescribe* a stronger dosage).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a prescription to prescribe the correct dosage.

    I need a prescription to prescribe the correct dosage.

    • "*To prescribe* the correct dosage" modifies the noun "prescription."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a prescription *to prescribe* the correct dosage).

Prescribing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Prescribing medication requires careful consideration.

    Prescribing medication requires careful consideration.

    • "*Prescribing* medication" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful consideration).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy prescribing medication to help patients.

    I enjoy prescribing medication to help patients.

    • "*Prescribing* medication" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*prescribing* medication).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for prescribing the right treatment.

    She has a talent for prescribing the right treatment.

    • "For *prescribing* the right treatment" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *prescribing* the right treatment).

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

The pharmacist recommends to prescribe this medication for your condition.

The doctor will determine whether to prescribe medication or not.

They decided to prescribe a different treatment plan.

He offered to prescribe a painkiller for her headache.

We attempted to prescribe a higher dosage.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Doctors should avoid prescribing unnecessary antibiotics.

They are considering prescribing alternative therapies.

I don't mind prescribing generic medications.

He resisted prescribing painkillers for his patient.

It's important to understand the risks of prescribing certain medications.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to prescribe natural remedies. She likes prescribing natural remedies.

We began to prescribe this medication recently. We began prescribing this medication recently.

He recommends to prescribe a higher dosage. He recommends prescribing a higher dosage.

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