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To Realise vs Realising 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 realise (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to realise my dreams and aspirations.

Realising (Gerund)

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

Example

Realising your mistakes is the first step towards personal growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To realise (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To realise your potential is a rewarding experience.

    To realise your potential is a rewarding experience.

    • "*To realise* your potential" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (your potential).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to realise my mistakes.

    She wants me to realise my mistakes.

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

    I need guidance to realise my full potential.

    I need guidance to realise my full potential.

    • "*To realise* my full potential" modifies the noun "guidance."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (guidance *to realise* my full potential).

Realising (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Realising the importance of education is crucial.

    Realising the importance of education is crucial.

    • "*Realising* the importance of education" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the importance of education).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy realising my potential in different areas.

    I enjoy realising my potential in different areas.

    • "*Realising* my potential in different areas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*realising* my potential in different areas).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for realising her dreams.

    She has a passion for realising her dreams.

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

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 realise her career goals this year.

They hope to realise their dreams and aspirations.

He wants to realise his true potential.

We decided to realise our ambitions and work towards them.

They agreed to realise their shared vision and collaborate.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys realising her creative ideas through art.

They recommend realising your true potential through self-reflection.

I dislike the feeling of realising I made a mistake.

He avoids realising the consequences of his actions.

Can you imagine realising your dreams and achieving success?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to realise her goals and aspirations. She likes realising her achievements and progress.

We started to realise the impact of our actions. We started realising the importance of teamwork.

He began to realise the value of time. He began realising the benefits of regular exercise.

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