To Set Out vs Setting out Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To set out (Infinitive)

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

Example

We plan to set out on our journey early in the morning.

Setting out (Gerund)

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

Example

Setting out early in the morning is crucial for a successful journey.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To set out (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To set out is an exciting adventure.

  To set out is an exciting adventure.

  • "*To set out*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting adventure).
• 2. Object

  She wants us to set out together.

  She wants us to set out together.

  • "Us *to set out* together" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (us *to set out* together).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a map to set out the route.

  I need a map to set out the route.

  • "*To set out* the route" modifies the noun "map."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to set out* the route).

Setting out (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Setting out requires careful planning.

  Setting out requires careful planning.

  • "*Setting out*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy setting out on new adventures.

  I enjoy setting out on new adventures.

  • "*Setting out* on new adventures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*setting out* on new adventures).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have a fear of setting out alone.

  They have a fear of setting out alone.

  • "Of *setting out* alone" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a fear of *setting out* alone).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to set out on a road trip next week.

He hopes to set out on a solo expedition soon.

We want to set out on an exploration of the city.

She decided to set out on a hike in the mountains.

They agreed to set out on a quest for treasure.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys setting out on long drives.

They recommend setting out early to beat the traffic.

I dislike the idea of setting out without a plan.

He avoids setting out in bad weather.

Can you imagine yourself setting out on a world tour?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

We like to set out on spontaneous adventures. We like setting out on spontaneous adventures.

He started to set out on his own path. He started setting out on his own path.

She began to set out on a new journey. She began setting out on a new journey.