To Show vs Showing 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 show (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to show you my new artwork.

Showing (Gerund)

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

Example

Showing kindness to others is important.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To show (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To show is the best way to express your ideas.

  To show is the best way to express your ideas.

  • "*To show*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best way to express your ideas).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to show her how to solve the math problem.

  She wants me to show her how to solve the math problem.

  • "Me *to show* her how to solve the math problem" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to show* her how to solve the math problem).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a projector to show my presentation.

  I need a projector to show my presentation.

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

Showing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Showing kindness to others can make a big difference.

  Showing kindness to others can make a big difference.

  • "*Showing* kindness to others" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can make) + noun phrase (a big difference).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy showing my artwork to people.

  I enjoy showing my artwork to people.

  • "*Showing* my artwork to people" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*showing* my artwork to people).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for showing her creativity.

  She has a passion for showing her creativity.

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

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

She plans to show her artwork at the gallery next month.

They hope to show their talent in the upcoming audition.

He wants to show his skills on the basketball court.

We decided to show our support for the cause by attending the protest.

They agreed to show their unity by wearing matching shirts.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys showing off her dance moves at parties.

They recommend showing appreciation for others' efforts.

He avoids showing his emotions in public.

I am considering showing my artwork in an art exhibition.

Can you imagine yourself showing your talent on stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to show her support for social causes. She likes showing her support for social causes.

We started to show our documentary film at film festivals. We started showing our documentary film at film festivals.

He began to show his photography skills to the world. He began showing his photography skills to the world.