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To Score vs Scoring 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 score (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to score a goal in the soccer match.

Scoring (Gerund)

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

Example

Scoring is an essential part of any sport.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To score (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To score is the objective of the game.

    To score is the objective of the game.

    • "*To score*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the objective of the game).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to score the winning basket.

    He wants me to score the winning basket.

    • "Me *to score* the winning basket" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to score* the winning basket).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a striker to score goals.

    We need a striker to score goals.

    • "*To score* goals" modifies the noun "striker."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a striker *to score* goals).

Scoring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Scoring requires skill and precision.

    Scoring requires skill and precision.

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

    She enjoys scoring goals in soccer.

    She enjoys scoring goals in soccer.

    • "*Scoring* goals in soccer" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*scoring* goals in soccer).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for scoring points.

    He has a talent for scoring points.

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

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 score multiple touchdowns in the game.

She hopes to score a hole-in-one in golf someday.

I want to score high marks in the exam.

He decided to score a touchdown instead of kicking a field goal.

We agreed to score more points in the second half of the game.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy scoring touchdowns in football games.

Coaches recommend regular scoring practice for better performance.

I avoid scoring own goals in soccer matches.

Can you imagine yourself scoring a winning goal in the World Cup?

He is considering scoring a record-breaking run in the marathon.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to score goals in hockey. She likes scoring goals in hockey.

They started to score points in the basketball game. They started scoring points in the basketball game.

He began to score goals in the soccer league. He began scoring goals in the soccer league.

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