To Pull vs Pulling 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 pull (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to pull the rope to move the heavy object.

Pulling (Gerund)

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

Example

Pulling the weeds is an essential part of gardening.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To pull (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To pull is a common task in weightlifting competitions.

  To pull is a common task in weightlifting competitions.

  • "*To pull*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common task in weightlifting competitions).
• 2. Object

  He wants me to pull the lever.

  He wants me to pull the lever.

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

  We need a strong rope to pull the car.

  We need a strong rope to pull the car.

  • "*To pull* the car" modifies the noun "rope."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong rope *to pull* the car).

Pulling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Pulling weeds requires patience and precision.

  Pulling weeds requires patience and precision.

  • "*Pulling* weeds" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and precision).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy pulling the handle of the slot machine.

  I enjoy pulling the handle of the slot machine.

  • "*Pulling* the handle of the slot machine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pulling* the handle of the slot machine).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for pulling people's heartstrings.

  She has a knack for pulling people's heartstrings.

  • "For *pulling* people's heartstrings" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *pulling* people's heartstrings).

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 pull the door open.

They hope to pull off a successful performance.

He wants to pull the trigger on the new project.

We decided to pull out of the competition.

They agreed to pull together to complete the task.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys pulling pranks on her friends.

They recommend wearing gloves when pulling weeds.

I dislike the feeling of pulling a muscle.

He avoids pulling all-nighters for studying.

Can you imagine yourself pulling off a successful heist?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to pull the curtains open. She likes pulling the curtains open.

We started to pull the weeds in the garden. We started pulling the weeds in the garden.

He began to pull the rope with all his strength. He began pulling the rope with all his strength.