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To Quit vs Quitting 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 quit (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to quit my job and pursue my passion.

Quitting (Gerund)

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

Example

Quitting is not always the best solution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To quit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To quit is a difficult decision to make.

    To quit is a difficult decision to make.

    • "*To quit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult decision to make).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to quit my job.

    She wants me to quit my job.

    • "Me *to quit* my job" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to quit* my job).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a valid reason to quit this project.

    I need a valid reason to quit this project.

    • "*To quit* this project" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to quit* this project).

Quitting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Quitting takes away the chance of success.

    Quitting takes away the chance of success.

    • "*Quitting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes away) + noun phrase (the chance of success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy quitting bad habits.

    I enjoy quitting bad habits.

    • "*Quitting* bad habits" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*quitting* bad habits).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of quitting her job.

    She has a fear of quitting her job.

    • "Of *quitting* her job" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *quitting* her job).

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

He plans to quit smoking next month.

I hope to quit procrastinating and start working.

They want me to quit complaining about everything.

We decided to quit our bad habits.

They agreed to quit their jobs and travel the world.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids quitting when faced with challenges.

They recommend quitting smoking for better health.

I am considering quitting my current job.

Do you mind quitting the meeting early?

Can you imagine yourself quitting your dream job?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to quit when I feel overwhelmed. I like quitting when I feel overwhelmed.

She started to quit unhealthy habits. She started quitting unhealthy habits.

They began to quit smoking together. They began quitting smoking together.

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