Help center

texts
Which is the correct expression?

To Push vs Pushing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To push (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to push the heavy cart.

Pushing (Gerund)

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

Example

Pushing is an effective way to move heavy objects.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To push (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To push is a necessary skill in weightlifting.

    To push is a necessary skill in weightlifting.

    • "*To push*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary skill in weightlifting).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to push the door open.

    She wants me to push the door open.

    • "Me *to push* the door open" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to push* the door open).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a strong person to push the car.

    I need a strong person to push the car.

    • "*To push* the car" modifies the noun "person."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong person *to push* the car).

Pushing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Pushing requires strength and technique.

    Pushing requires strength and technique.

    • "*Pushing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and technique).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy pushing myself in challenging workouts.

    I enjoy pushing myself in challenging workouts.

    • "*Pushing* myself in challenging workouts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*pushing* myself in challenging workouts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for pushing boundaries.

    She has a passion for pushing boundaries.

    • "For *pushing* boundaries" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *pushing* boundaries).

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

Example

She plans to push the box across the room tomorrow.

They hope to push the limits of their endurance during the race.

He wants to push himself to achieve his fitness goals.

We decided to push for a higher salary at work.

They agreed to push for more sustainable practices in their company.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys pushing her limits in extreme sports.

They recommend regular pushing exercises for building upper body strength.

I dislike the feeling of pushing through crowded places.

He avoids pushing others to get his way.

Can you imagine yourself pushing a heavy boulder up a hill?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to push herself in weightlifting sessions. She likes pushing herself in weightlifting sessions.

We started to push harder in our workouts. We started pushing harder in our workouts.

He began to push the boundaries of his abilities. He began pushing the boundaries of his abilities.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!