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To Retain vs Retaining 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 retain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to retain my position as team captain.

Retaining (Gerund)

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

Example

Retaining customers is essential for business growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To retain (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To retain the title, they must win the championship.

    To retain the title, they must win the championship.

    • "*To retain* the title" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (must) + verb (win) + noun phrase (the championship).
  • 2Object

    She expects me to retain all the information.

    She expects me to retain all the information.

    • "Me *to retain* all the information" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (me *to retain* all the information).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a reliable system to retain customer data.

    We need a reliable system to retain customer data.

    • "*To retain* customer data" modifies the noun "system."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable system *to retain* customer data).

Retaining (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Retaining loyal customers is crucial for long-term success.

    Retaining loyal customers is crucial for long-term success.

    • "*Retaining* loyal customers" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial for long-term success).
  • 2Object

    He enjoys retaining valuable employees.

    He enjoys retaining valuable employees.

    • "*Retaining* valuable employees" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*retaining* valuable employees).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a strategy for retaining top talent.

    They have a strategy for retaining top talent.

    • "For *retaining* top talent" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a strategy for *retaining* top talent).

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

He plans to retain his current employees.

They hope to retain their lead in the competition.

She wants to retain her independence.

We decided to retain our focus on quality.

They agreed to retain the existing policy.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys retaining satisfied customers.

They recommend retaining experienced staff members.

I dislike the idea of retaining outdated technology.

He avoids retaining unproductive employees.

Can you imagine the benefits of retaining loyal customers?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to retain control over their own destiny. They like retaining control over their own destiny.

We started to retain more customers through targeted marketing. We started retaining more customers through targeted marketing.

He began to retain important documents for future reference. He began retaining important documents for future reference.

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