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To Ski vs Skiing 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 ski (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ski on the mountain slopes.

Skiing (Gerund)

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

Example

Skiing is a thrilling winter sport.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ski (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ski is a popular winter activity.

    To ski is a popular winter activity.

    • "*To ski*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular winter activity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ski with her.

    She wants me to ski with her.

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

    I need proper gear to ski safely.

    I need proper gear to ski safely.

    • "*To ski* safely" modifies the noun "gear."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (proper gear *to ski* safely).

Skiing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Skiing requires balance and coordination.

    Skiing requires balance and coordination.

    • "*Skiing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (balance and coordination).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy skiing in the fresh powder.

    I enjoy skiing in the fresh powder.

    • "*Skiing* in the fresh powder" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*skiing* in the fresh powder).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for skiing.

    She has a passion for skiing.

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

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 ski in the Alps next winter.

I hope to ski in the backcountry someday.

He wants to ski down the steep slope.

We decided to ski in the morning instead.

They agreed to ski together during their vacation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy skiing in the mountains every winter.

Experts recommend regular skiing for improved cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of skiing in freezing temperatures.

He avoids skiing on icy slopes.

Can you imagine yourself skiing down a steep slope?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ski on the snowy hills. She likes skiing on the snowy hills.

We started to ski when we were young. We started skiing when we were young.

He began to ski competitively at a young age. He began skiing competitively at a young age.

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