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To Sail vs Sailing 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 sail (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sail around the world someday.

Sailing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sailing is a great way to experience the open sea.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sail (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sail is a thrilling adventure.

    To sail is a thrilling adventure.

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

    She wants me to sail with her.

    She wants me to sail with her.

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

    He needs a boat to sail across the ocean.

    He needs a boat to sail across the ocean.

    • "*To sail* across the ocean" modifies the noun "boat."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a boat *to sail* across the ocean).

Sailing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sailing requires skill and knowledge.

    Sailing requires skill and knowledge.

    • "*Sailing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and knowledge).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sailing on calm waters.

    I enjoy sailing on calm waters.

    • "*Sailing* on calm waters" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sailing* on calm waters).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for sailing.

    He has a passion for sailing.

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

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

They plan to sail to the Caribbean next summer.

We hope to sail in calm waters during our vacation.

He wants to sail across the Pacific Ocean.

She decided to sail around the Mediterranean Sea.

They agreed to sail together on a catamaran.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sailing in the sunset.

They recommend regular sailing for relaxation.

I dislike the idea of sailing in rough weather.

He avoids sailing in stormy conditions.

Can you imagine yourself sailing around the world?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to sail on the open ocean. They like sailing on the open ocean.

We started to sail competitively. We started sailing competitively.

He began to sail his own boat. He began sailing his own boat.

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