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To Skip vs Skipping 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 skip (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to skip the meeting because I have other commitments.

Skipping (Gerund)

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

Example

Skipping is a fun way to exercise.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To skip (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To skip is not a good option in this situation.

    To skip is not a good option in this situation.

    • "*To skip*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a good option in this situation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to skip the class.

    She wants me to skip the class.

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

    I need a valid reason to skip work today.

    I need a valid reason to skip work today.

    • "*To skip* work today" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to skip* work today).

Skipping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Skipping helps in burning calories.

    Skipping helps in burning calories.

    • "*Skipping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (in burning calories).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy skipping rope in the park.

    I enjoy skipping rope in the park.

    • "*Skipping* rope in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*skipping* rope in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for skipping.

    She has a passion for skipping.

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

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 skip the party tonight.

They hope to skip the long queue at the amusement park.

He wants to skip the lecture and go for a walk.

We decided to skip the movie and have dinner instead.

They agreed to skip the formalities and get straight to the point.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys skipping during her workout routine.

They recommend skipping as part of a cardio exercise.

I dislike the idea of skipping meals.

He avoids skipping rope due to his knee injury.

Can you imagine yourself skipping happily in the park?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to skip breakfast. She likes skipping in the morning.

We started to skip rope for fitness. We started skipping rope for fitness.

He began to skip meals for weight loss. He began skipping meals for weight loss.

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