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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 my current job.

    I need a valid reason to quit my current job.

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

Quitting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Quitting takes courage and determination.

    Quitting takes courage and determination.

    • "*Quitting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (courage and determination).
  • 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

    He has a fear of quitting his job.

    He has a fear of quitting his job.

    • "Of *quitting* his job" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *quitting* his 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 his job and start his own business.

They hope to quit smoking for good.

She wants to quit her unhealthy habits.

We decided to quit our membership at the gym.

They agreed to quit their bad habits together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys quitting her job and traveling the world.

They recommend gradually quitting unhealthy habits.

I dislike the idea of quitting without a backup plan.

He avoids quitting before completing his project.

Can you imagine yourself quitting your stable job?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to quit when things get too stressful. She likes quitting when things get too stressful.

We started to quit our bad habits together. We started quitting our bad habits together.

He began to quit smoking for the sake of his health. He began quitting smoking for the sake of his health.

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