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To See vs Seeing 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 see (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to see the new movie.

Seeing (Gerund)

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

Example

Seeing is believing.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To see (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To see is a human ability.

    To see is a human ability.

    • "*To see*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a human ability).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to see the beautiful sunset.

    She wants me to see the beautiful sunset.

    • "Me *to see* the beautiful sunset" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to see* the beautiful sunset).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need glasses to see clearly.

    I need glasses to see clearly.

    • "*To see* clearly" modifies the noun "glasses."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (glasses *to see* clearly).

Seeing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Seeing is a wonderful experience.

    Seeing is a wonderful experience.

    • "*Seeing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a wonderful experience).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy seeing new places when I travel.

    I enjoy seeing new places when I travel.

    • "*Seeing* new places when I travel" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*seeing* new places when I travel).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of seeing spiders.

    She has a fear of seeing spiders.

    • "Of *seeing* spiders" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *seeing* spiders).

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 see the concert next month.

They hope to see the Northern Lights during their trip.

He wants to see his favorite band live.

We decided to see the play on opening night.

They agreed to see a movie together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys seeing her friends at the party.

They recommend seeing a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

I dislike the idea of seeing blood.

He avoids seeing horror movies.

Can you imagine yourself seeing the Eiffel Tower in person?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to see live performances. She likes seeing live performances.

We started to see each other regularly. We started seeing each other regularly.

He began to see a therapist for his anxiety. He began seeing a therapist for his anxiety.

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