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 at the meeting.

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 a new idea can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To propose (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To propose is a courageous act.

  To propose is a courageous act.

  • "*To propose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a courageous act).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to propose a solution.

  She wants me to propose a solution.

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

  I need a platform to propose my ideas.

  I need a platform to propose my ideas.

  • "*To propose* my ideas" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to propose* my ideas).

Proposing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Proposing innovative solutions is important in business.

  Proposing innovative solutions is important in business.

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

  I enjoy proposing creative solutions.

  I enjoy proposing creative solutions.

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

  She has a talent for proposing effective strategies.

  She has a talent for proposing effective strategies.

  • "For *proposing* effective strategies" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *proposing* effective strategies).

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 propose a new project next week.

They hope to propose changes to the current system.

He wants to propose a partnership with another company.

We decided to propose a new marketing strategy.

They agreed to propose a budget increase.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys proposing new projects to her team.

They recommend proposing solutions instead of just identifying problems.

I dislike the idea of proposing unnecessary changes.

He avoids proposing controversial ideas in meetings.

Can you imagine yourself proposing a groundbreaking invention?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to propose innovative solutions. She likes proposing innovative solutions.

We started to propose a new project. We started proposing a new project.

He began to propose changes to the existing system. He began proposing changes to the existing system.