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To Probe vs Probing 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 probe (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to probe deeper into the mystery.

Probing (Gerund)

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

Example

Probing can lead to valuable insights.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To probe (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To probe is an essential part of any investigation.

    To probe is an essential part of any investigation.

    • "*To probe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of any investigation).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to probe the crime scene.

    He wants me to probe the crime scene.

    • "Me *to probe* the crime scene" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to probe* the crime scene).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    She needs a specialized tool to probe the surface.

    She needs a specialized tool to probe the surface.

    • "*To probe* the surface" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a specialized tool *to probe* the surface).

Probing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Probing is an important skill in journalism.

    Probing is an important skill in journalism.

    • "*Probing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill in journalism).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys probing people's thoughts and emotions.

    She enjoys probing people's thoughts and emotions.

    • "*Probing* people's thoughts and emotions" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*probing* people's thoughts and emotions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a talent for probing deep into complex issues.

    They have a talent for probing deep into complex issues.

    • "For *probing* deep into complex issues" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *probing* deep into complex issues).

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

We decided to probe further into the matter.

He attempted to probe the suspect's mind.

She refused to probe any deeper into the issue.

They wished to probe the unknown.

He pretended to probe for information.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I consider probing a necessary part of my job.

Experts recommend probing for hidden dangers.

He resisted probing into his personal life.

Can you imagine probing the depths of the universe?

Let's discuss the benefits of probing deeper.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to probe into the minds of criminals. She likes probing into the minds of criminals.

We started to probe the matter thoroughly. We started probing the matter thoroughly.

He began to probe for answers. He began probing for answers.

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