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To Read vs Reading 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 read (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to read that book before the movie comes out.

Reading (Gerund)

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

Example

Reading is a relaxing activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To read (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To read is a great way to expand your knowledge.

    To read is a great way to expand your knowledge.

    • "*To read*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to expand your knowledge).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to read the article.

    She wants me to read the article.

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

    I need a quiet place to read my book.

    I need a quiet place to read my book.

    • "*To read* my book" modifies the noun "place."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to read* my book).

Reading (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reading is an enjoyable pastime.

    Reading is an enjoyable pastime.

    • "*Reading*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an enjoyable pastime).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy reading mystery novels.

    I enjoy reading mystery novels.

    • "*Reading* mystery novels" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reading* mystery novels).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for reading poetry.

    She has a passion for reading poetry.

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

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 read the novel this weekend.

They hope to read all the books in the series.

He wants to read the newspaper every morning.

We decided to read the poem aloud.

They agreed to read the play together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys reading in her free time.

They recommend regular reading for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of reading self-help books.

He avoids reading long articles.

Can you imagine yourself reading a thousand-page novel?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to read historical fiction novels. She likes reading historical fiction novels.

We started to read the book club's selection. We started reading the book club's selection.

He began to read the newspaper every morning. He began reading the newspaper every morning.

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