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To Screen vs Screening 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 screen (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to screen the movie at the film festival.

Screening (Gerund)

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

Example

Screening the candidates is an important part of the hiring process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To screen (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To screen the film is an important step in the production process.

    To screen the film is an important step in the production process.

    • "*To screen* the film" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the production process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to screen the candidates for the job.

    She wants me to screen the candidates for the job.

    • "Me *to screen* the candidates for the job" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to screen* the candidates for the job).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a projector to screen the presentation.

    I need a projector to screen the presentation.

    • "*To screen* the presentation" modifies the noun "projector."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a projector *to screen* the presentation).

Screening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Screening applicants is a crucial task for HR professionals.

    Screening applicants is a crucial task for HR professionals.

    • "*Screening* applicants" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial task for HR professionals).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy screening films at the film festival.

    I enjoy screening films at the film festival.

    • "*Screening* films at the film festival" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*screening* films at the film festival).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for screening potential talent.

    She has a passion for screening potential talent.

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

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

She plans to screen the documentary tomorrow.

They hope to screen their short film at the local theater.

He wants to screen the movie in multiple languages.

We decided to screen the classic film at the cinema.

They agreed to screen the award-winning movie at the festival.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys screening movies for a film club.

They recommend regular screening for early detection of diseases.

I dislike the process of screening job applications.

He avoids screening horror movies due to his fear of blood.

Can you imagine yourself screening films at a prestigious film festival?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to screen independent films. She likes screening independent films.

We started to screen the documentary series. We started screening the documentary series.

He began to screen movies at his own theater. He began screening movies at his own theater.

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