To Propose vs Proposing 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 propose (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to propose a new idea to the team.

Proposing (Gerund)

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

Example

Proposing new ideas can lead to innovation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To propose (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To propose a solution is crucial in problem-solving.

  To propose a solution is crucial in problem-solving.

  • "*To propose* a solution" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial in problem-solving).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to propose a plan for the project.

  She wants me to propose a plan for the project.

  • "Me *to propose* a plan for the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to propose* a plan for the project).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a confident person to propose new strategies.

  We need a confident person to propose new strategies.

  • "*To propose* new strategies" modifies the noun "person."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a confident person *to propose* new strategies).

Proposing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Proposing innovative solutions is essential in business.

  Proposing innovative solutions is essential in business.

  • "*Proposing* innovative solutions" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential in business).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy proposing creative concepts to my team.

  I enjoy proposing creative concepts to my team.

  • "*Proposing* creative concepts to my team" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*proposing* creative concepts to my team).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for proposing unique ideas.

  He has a talent for proposing unique ideas.

  • "For *proposing* unique ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *proposing* unique ideas).

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

• agree
• hope
• plan
• want
• decide

Example

They agreed to propose a joint venture to the board.

He hopes to propose a solution at the meeting tomorrow.

We planned to propose a new policy to the committee.

She wants to propose a change in the current system.

I decided to propose a collaboration with another company.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

We are considering proposing a new project to the management.

They recommend proposing alternative solutions for better results.

She avoids proposing ideas without careful evaluation.

Can you imagine yourself proposing a groundbreaking concept?

I don't mind proposing a different approach to the problem.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to propose innovative strategies. She likes proposing innovative strategies.

We started to propose changes in the company's policies. We started proposing changes in the company's policies.

He began to propose new initiatives for the project. He began proposing new initiatives for the project.