Help center

To Reach vs Reaching 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 reach (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to reach my goals by working hard.

Reaching (Gerund)

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

Example

Reaching for the stars requires determination and hard work.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reach (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reach the summit is a challenging task.

    To reach the summit is a challenging task.

    • "*To reach* the summit" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging task).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to reach my full potential.

    She wants me to reach my full potential.

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

    He needs a ladder to reach the top shelf.

    He needs a ladder to reach the top shelf.

    • "*To reach* the top shelf" modifies the noun "ladder."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a ladder *to reach* the top shelf).

Reaching (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reaching your goals is a rewarding experience.

    Reaching your goals is a rewarding experience.

    • "*Reaching* your goals" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a rewarding experience).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reaching new heights in my career.

    I enjoy reaching new heights in my career.

    • "*Reaching* new heights in my career" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reaching* new heights in my career).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of reaching her limits.

    She has a fear of reaching her limits.

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

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

They plan to reach the destination before sunset.

I want to reach my dream job.

She decided to reach out to her old friend.

He attempted to reach the highest score in the game.

We hope to reach a peaceful resolution.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys reaching out to others and helping them.

I recommend reaching out to a professional for advice.

They avoid reaching for unrealistic goals.

She is considering reaching for a higher position at work.

Can you imagine reaching your dreams and aspirations?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to reach my full potential. I would like reaching my full potential.

They started to reach for the stars. They started reaching for the stars.

He began to reach his fitness goals. He began reaching his fitness goals.

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!