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To Release vs Releasing 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 release (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to release my new album next month.

Releasing (Gerund)

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

Example

Releasing stress is important for overall well-being.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To release (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To release a song requires careful planning and promotion.

    To release a song requires careful planning and promotion.

    • "*To release* a song" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and promotion).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to release the movie on DVD.

    She wants me to release the movie on DVD.

    • "Me *to release* the movie on DVD" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to release* the movie on DVD).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    They need a platform to release their music.

    They need a platform to release their music.

    • "*To release* their music" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to release* their music).

Releasing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Releasing negative emotions can be therapeutic.

    Releasing negative emotions can be therapeutic.

    • "*Releasing* negative emotions" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (therapeutic).
  • 2Object

    He enjoys releasing his creativity through painting.

    He enjoys releasing his creativity through painting.

    • "*Releasing* his creativity through painting" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*releasing* his creativity through painting).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They are considering releasing a new album.

    They are considering releasing a new album.

    • "*Releasing* a new album" is the object of the preposition "considering."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are considering) + gerund (*releasing* a new album).

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

We plan to release the book next year.

He hopes to release his debut single soon.

They want to release a new product in the market.

I decided to release my documentary online.

We agreed to release the film worldwide.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys releasing stress through yoga.

Experts recommend releasing tension through deep breathing exercises.

He avoids releasing personal information online.

Can you imagine releasing a best-selling novel?

I don't mind releasing my latest song as a single.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to release her music independently. She likes releasing her music independently.

We started to release our podcast episodes weekly. We started releasing our podcast episodes weekly.

He began to release his artwork online. He began releasing his artwork online.

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