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To Sing vs Singing 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 sing (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sing at the concert to showcase my talent.

Singing (Gerund)

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

Example

Singing brings joy to my heart.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sing (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    • "*To sing*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her favorite hobby).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to sing a song for him.

    He wants me to sing a song for him.

    • "Me *to sing* a song for him" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sing* a song for him).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    She needs a microphone to sing on stage.

    She needs a microphone to sing on stage.

    • "*To sing* on stage" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a microphone *to sing* on stage).

Singing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Singing is a form of self-expression.

    Singing is a form of self-expression.

    • "*Singing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of self-expression).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    • "*Singing* in the shower" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*singing* in the shower).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for singing.

    She has a passion for singing.

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

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

We plan to sing together at the talent show.

They hope to sing their favorite song at the wedding.

He wants to sing in the choir.

She decided to sing a solo at the concert.

They agreed to sing a duet for the performance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys singing along to his favorite songs.

They recommend regular singing lessons for vocal improvement.

She dislikes singing in public.

I avoid singing out of tune.

Can you imagine yourself singing on a big stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to sing in the choir. They like singing in the choir.

She started to sing professionally. She started singing professionally.

He began to sing in his school's music club. He began singing in his school's music club.

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