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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 bike to work.

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 popular hobby among children.

    To ride is a popular hobby among children.

    • "*To ride*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular hobby among children).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ride her horse.

    She wants me to ride her horse.

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

    I need a bicycle to ride to school.

    I need a bicycle to ride to school.

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

Riding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Riding is a popular sport in this region.

    Riding is a popular sport in this region.

    • "*Riding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular sport in this region).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy riding my motorcycle on long trips.

    I enjoy riding my motorcycle on long trips.

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

    She has a fear of riding roller coasters.

    She has a fear of riding roller coasters.

    • "Of *riding* roller coasters" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *riding* roller coasters).

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 bikes in the park this weekend.

They agreed to ride together on the carousel.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys riding bicycles in the park every evening.

They recommend regular riding for better cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of riding horses.

She avoids riding in heavy traffic.

Can you imagine yourself riding a motorcycle on the open road?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to ride horses on the beach. I like riding horses on the beach.

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

He began to ride his bike to work every day. He began riding his bike to work every day.

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