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To Run vs Running 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 run (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to run in the marathon to challenge myself.

Running (Gerund)

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

Example

Running is a popular form of exercise.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To run (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To run is a great way to stay fit and healthy.

    To run is a great way to stay fit and healthy.

    • "*To run*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to stay fit and healthy).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to run with her in the race.

    She wants me to run with her in the race.

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

    I need good shoes to run long distances.

    I need good shoes to run long distances.

    • "Good shoes *to run* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (good shoes *to run* long distances).

Running (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Running helps to improve cardiovascular health.

    Running helps to improve cardiovascular health.

    • "*Running*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (to improve cardiovascular health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy running in the park every morning.

    I enjoy running in the park every morning.

    • "*Running* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*running* in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for running.

    He has a passion for running.

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

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 run a marathon next year.

They hope to run a 5K race soon.

She wants to run a half marathon this summer.

We decided to run a charity race together.

They agreed to run a relay race as a team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys running on the beach at sunset.

They recommend regular running for overall fitness.

I dislike the idea of running in extreme weather conditions.

He avoids running in crowded areas.

Can you imagine yourself running a marathon?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to run in the park. She likes running in the park.

We started to run together every morning. We started running together every morning.

He began to run competitively. He began running competitively.

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