To Procure vs Procuring 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 procure (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to procure a new laptop for my work.

Procuring (Gerund)

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

Example

Procuring high-quality materials is crucial for the success of the project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To procure (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To procure is his main goal in this project.

  To procure is his main goal in this project.

  • "*To procure*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his main goal in this project).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to procure the necessary documents.

  She wants me to procure the necessary documents.

  • "Me *to procure* the necessary documents" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to procure* the necessary documents).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a reliable supplier to procure the materials.

  I need a reliable supplier to procure the materials.

  • "*To procure* the materials" modifies the noun "supplier."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable supplier *to procure* the materials).

Procuring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Procuring affordable supplies is a challenge.

  Procuring affordable supplies is a challenge.

  • "*Procuring* affordable supplies" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenge).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy procuring unique items for my collection.

  I enjoy procuring unique items for my collection.

  • "*Procuring* unique items for my collection" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*procuring* unique items for my collection).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for procuring hard-to-find products.

  She has a talent for procuring hard-to-find products.

  • "For *procuring* hard-to-find products" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *procuring* hard-to-find products).

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 procure the equipment by next week.

They hope to procure the necessary funds for the project.

He wants to procure the latest technology for his business.

We decided to procure the services of a professional.

They agreed to procure the required permits before starting the construction.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

She enjoys procuring vintage clothing from thrift stores.

They recommend procuring multiple quotes before making a purchase.

He avoids procuring goods from unreliable sources.

Can you imagine yourself procuring rare artifacts from around the world?

We are considering procuring a new supplier for better quality products.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to procure organic produce from local farmers. She likes procuring organic produce from local farmers.

We started to procure office supplies from a new vendor. We started procuring office supplies from a new vendor.

He began to procure raw materials directly from manufacturers. He began procuring raw materials directly from manufacturers.