To Show Up vs Showing up 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 up (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to show up at the party tonight.

Showing up (Gerund)

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

Example

Showing up late is considered disrespectful.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To show up (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To show up is important for job interviews.

  To show up is important for job interviews.

  • "*To show up*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for job interviews).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to show up on time.

  She wants me to show up on time.

  • "Me *to show up* on time" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to show up* on time).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a reminder to show up early.

  I need a reminder to show up early.

  • "*To show up* early" modifies the noun "reminder."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reminder *to show up* early).

Showing up (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Showing up early is a sign of punctuality.

  Showing up early is a sign of punctuality.

  • "*Showing up*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of punctuality).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy showing up for surprise parties.

  I enjoy showing up for surprise parties.

  • "*Showing up* for surprise parties" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*showing up* for surprise parties).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of showing up unprepared.

  She has a fear of showing up unprepared.

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

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

• hope
• want
• decide
• agree
• plan

Example

They hope to show up together at the event.

He wants to show up with a gift for the host.

We decided to show up in matching outfits.

They agreed to show up at the meeting on time.

She plans to show up for the presentation prepared.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

They recommend showing up early to secure a good seat.

He avoids showing up late for appointments.

Can you imagine showing up at the wrong venue?

We consider showing up on time a sign of respect.

Do you mind showing up a little early?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to show up fashionably late. She likes showing up fashionably late.

We started to show up at the weekly meetings. We started showing up at the weekly meetings.

He began to show up early for work. He began showing up early for work.