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To Sightsee vs Sightseeing 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 sightsee (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sightsee in Paris to visit all the famous landmarks.

Sightseeing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sightseeing is a great way to explore a new city.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sightsee (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sightsee is a popular activity for tourists in big cities.

    To sightsee is a popular activity for tourists in big cities.

    • "*To sightsee*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity for tourists in big cities).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sightsee with her during the trip.

    She wants me to sightsee with her during the trip.

    • "Me *to sightsee* with her during the trip" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sightsee* with her during the trip).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need comfortable shoes to sightsee all day.

    I need comfortable shoes to sightsee all day.

    • "*To sightsee* all day" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to sightsee* all day).

Sightseeing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sightseeing can be tiring but it's worth it.

    Sightseeing can be tiring but it's worth it.

    • "*Sightseeing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (tiring) + conjunction (but) + pronoun (it).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sightseeing in historical places.

    I enjoy sightseeing in historical places.

    • "*Sightseeing* in historical places" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sightseeing* in historical places).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for sightseeing in different countries.

    She has a passion for sightseeing in different countries.

    • "For *sightseeing* in different countries" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *sightseeing* in different countries).

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

They plan to sightsee in Rome next month.

We hope to sightsee in New York City this summer.

He wants to sightsee in London during his business trip.

She decided to sightsee in Tokyo for a week.

They agreed to sightsee together in Barcelona.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy sightseeing in nature reserves.

Travel experts recommend guided sightseeing tours for first-time visitors.

I dislike the idea of sightseeing in crowded places.

He avoids sightseeing during peak tourist season.

Can you imagine yourself sightseeing in ancient ruins?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sightsee in the evenings. She likes sightseeing in the evenings.

We started to sightsee early in the morning. We started sightseeing early in the morning.

He began to sightsee in Europe last year. He began sightseeing in Europe last year.

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