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To Ride vs Riding 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 ride (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ride a horse in the countryside.

Riding (Gerund)

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

Example

Riding a bike is a fun way to exercise.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ride (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ride is a thrilling experience.

    To ride is a thrilling experience.

    • "*To ride*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling experience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ride her bike.

    She wants me to ride her bike.

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

    I need a bicycle to ride to work.

    I need a bicycle to ride to work.

    • "*To ride* to work" modifies the noun "bicycle."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bicycle *to ride* to work).

Riding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Riding is a popular hobby among children.

    Riding is a popular hobby among children.

    • "*Riding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular hobby among children).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy riding my motorcycle on the open road.

    I enjoy riding my motorcycle on the open road.

    • "*Riding* my motorcycle on the open road" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*riding* my motorcycle on the open road).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for riding horses.

    She has a passion for riding horses.

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

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 ride his motorcycle across the country.

They hope to ride horses on their vacation.

She wants to ride a roller coaster at the amusement park.

We decided to ride bicycles to the park.

They agreed to ride the Ferris wheel together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys riding roller coasters at the amusement park.

They recommend regular riding for cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of riding motorcycles without a helmet.

She avoids riding bicycles in heavy traffic.

Can you imagine yourself riding a horse on the beach?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ride her bicycle in the park. She likes riding her bicycle in the park.

We started to ride motorcycles as a hobby. We started riding motorcycles as a hobby.

He began to ride horses at a young age. He began riding horses at a young age.

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