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To Qualify vs Qualifying Infinitives & Gerunds

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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 qualify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to qualify for the championship.

Qualifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Qualifying requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To qualify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To qualify is my ultimate goal.

    To qualify is my ultimate goal.

    • "*To qualify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (my ultimate goal).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to qualify for the team.

    She wants me to qualify for the team.

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

    I need a high score to qualify for the scholarship.

    I need a high score to qualify for the scholarship.

    • "*To qualify* for the scholarship" modifies the noun "score."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a high score *to qualify* for the scholarship).

Qualifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Qualifying is a challenging process.

    Qualifying is a challenging process.

    • "*Qualifying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging process).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy qualifying for major events.

    I enjoy qualifying for major events.

    • "*Qualifying* for major events" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*qualifying* for major events).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for qualifying in marathons.

    She has a passion for qualifying in marathons.

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

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 qualify in the next competition.

They hope to qualify for the finals.

He wants to qualify for the national team.

We decided to qualify for the tournament.

They agreed to qualify together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys qualifying in swimming competitions.

They recommend regular qualifying for better opportunities.

I dislike the process of qualifying for exams.

He avoids qualifying in stressful situations.

Can you imagine yourself qualifying for the Olympics?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to qualify in challenging races. She likes qualifying in challenging races.

We started to qualify for the tournament. We started qualifying for the tournament.

He began to qualify for professional competitions. He began qualifying for professional competitions.

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