Help center

To Save vs Saving Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 save (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to save money for a vacation.

Saving (Gerund)

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

Example

Saving is a smart financial strategy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To save (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To save is an important financial habit.

    To save is an important financial habit.

    • "*To save*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important financial habit).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to save my receipts.

    She wants me to save my receipts.

    • "Me *to save* my receipts" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to save* my receipts).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a piggy bank to save my coins.

    I need a piggy bank to save my coins.

    • "*To save* my coins" modifies the noun "piggy bank."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a piggy bank *to save* my coins).

Saving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Saving helps build wealth over time.

    Saving helps build wealth over time.

    • "*Saving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (build wealth over time).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy saving money for a rainy day.

    I enjoy saving money for a rainy day.

    • "*Saving* money for a rainy day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*saving* money for a rainy day).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for saving the environment.

    She has a passion for saving the environment.

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

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 save enough money for a down payment on a house.

They hope to save up for a dream vacation.

We want to save for a rainy day.

She decided to save for retirement.

They agreed to save for a new car together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys saving for a specific goal.

Financial experts recommend saving at least 20% of your income.

I dislike the idea of saving every penny.

They avoid saving money by making impulse purchases.

Can you imagine yourself saving enough for early retirement?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to save money for emergencies. I like saving money for emergencies.

They started to save for a new car. They started saving for a new car.

He began to save for his child's education. He began saving for his child's education.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!