Help center

To Sing vs Singing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 in the choir to showcase my vocal 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 me joy and helps me express my emotions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sing (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sing is a passion of mine.

    To sing is a passion of mine.

    • "*To sing*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a passion of mine).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sing at her wedding.

    She wants me to sing at her wedding.

    • "Me *to sing* at her wedding" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sing* at her wedding).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a microphone to sing on stage.

    I need a microphone to sing on stage.

    • "*To sing* on stage" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + 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 talent for singing.

    She has a talent for singing.

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

She plans to sing at the concert next week.

They hope to sing together in a band someday.

He wants to sing professionally and make a career out of it.

We decided to sing a duet at the talent show.

They agreed to sing the national anthem at the event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys singing in choirs and musical groups.

They recommend regular singing practice for vocal improvement.

I dislike the idea of singing in front of large audiences.

He avoids singing in public due to stage fright.

Can you imagine yourself singing on a big stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sing karaoke with her friends. She likes singing karaoke with her friends.

We started to sing in the church choir. We started singing in the church choir.

He began to sing at a young age. He began singing at a young age.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!