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To Receive vs Receiving 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 receive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to receive a promotion at work.

Receiving (Gerund)

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

Example

Receiving compliments boosts my confidence.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To receive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To receive is a great honor.

    To receive is a great honor.

    • "*To receive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great honor).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to receive the award.

    She wants me to receive the award.

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

    He needs a new phone to receive important calls.

    He needs a new phone to receive important calls.

    • "*To receive* important calls" modifies the noun "phone."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a new phone *to receive* important calls).

Receiving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Receiving gifts makes her happy.

    Receiving gifts makes her happy.

    • "*Receiving* gifts" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (makes) + noun phrase (her happy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy receiving letters from friends.

    I enjoy receiving letters from friends.

    • "*Receiving* letters from friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*receiving* letters from friends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for receiving feedback.

    She has a talent for receiving feedback.

    • "For *receiving* feedback" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *receiving* feedback).

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 receive the package tomorrow.

I hope to receive good news soon.

We want to receive the scholarship.

He decided to receive training for a new job.

They agreed to receive the donation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys receiving compliments on his artwork.

They recommend receiving regular check-ups for good health.

I avoid receiving criticism by being open to feedback.

She is considering receiving further education in her field.

Can you imagine receiving an award for your achievements?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to receive surprises. I like receiving surprises.

We started to receive monthly newsletters. We started receiving monthly newsletters.

He began to receive recognition for his hard work. He began receiving recognition for his hard work.

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