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 for the project.

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 innovative solutions is crucial in today's competitive market.

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 plan to propose to the team.

  I need a plan to propose to the team.

  • "*To propose* to the team" modifies the noun "plan."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to propose* to the team).

Proposing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Proposing new ideas can lead to success.

  Proposing new ideas can lead to success.

  • "*Proposing* new ideas" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead) + prepositional phrase (to success).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy proposing creative concepts.

  I enjoy proposing creative concepts.

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

  She has a talent for proposing innovative solutions.

  She has a talent for proposing innovative solutions.

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

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

• decide
• hope
• want
• agree
• choose

Example

We decided to propose a new marketing strategy.

They hope to propose a partnership with the company.

He wants to propose a change in the company policy.

They agreed to propose a new budget plan.

She chose to propose a different approach to the problem.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

They recommend proposing new strategies for business growth.

He avoids proposing unrealistic ideas in meetings.

Can you imagine yourself proposing a revolutionary concept?

We are considering proposing a new product line.

I don't mind proposing alternative solutions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to propose innovative ideas to her team. She likes proposing innovative ideas to her team.

We began to propose a new project plan. We began proposing a new project plan.

He continues to propose improvements for the system. He continues proposing improvements for the system.