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To Simulate vs Simulating 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 simulate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to simulate real-life scenarios in our training program.

Simulating (Gerund)

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

Example

Simulating real-life situations can enhance our problem-solving skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To simulate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To simulate is an effective method for learning.

    To simulate is an effective method for learning.

    • "*To simulate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an effective method for learning).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to simulate a customer interaction.

    She wants me to simulate a customer interaction.

    • "Me *to simulate* a customer interaction" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to simulate* a customer interaction).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a software program to simulate different weather conditions.

    We need a software program to simulate different weather conditions.

    • "*To simulate* different weather conditions" modifies the noun "software program."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a software program *to simulate* different weather conditions).

Simulating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Simulating various scenarios is essential in training.

    Simulating various scenarios is essential in training.

    • "*Simulating* various scenarios" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential in training).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy simulating complex systems.

    I enjoy simulating complex systems.

    • "*Simulating* complex systems" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*simulating* complex systems).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for simulating different personalities.

    She has a talent for simulating different personalities.

    • "For *simulating* different personalities" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *simulating* different personalities).

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 simulate a flight simulation exercise next week.

I hope to simulate a realistic game environment.

He wants to simulate a medical emergency situation.

We decided to simulate a business negotiation scenario.

They agreed to simulate a disaster response drill.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy simulating virtual reality experiences.

Experts recommend simulating emergency situations for training purposes.

I dislike the idea of simulating dangerous scenarios.

He avoids simulating unrealistic situations.

Can you imagine yourself simulating a space mission?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to simulate real-world environments. She likes simulating real-world environments.

We started to simulate traffic patterns. We started simulating traffic patterns.

He began to simulate customer interactions. He began simulating customer interactions.

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