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To Solve vs Solving 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 solve (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to solve this puzzle.

Solving (Gerund)

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

Example

Solving puzzles is a great way to exercise the brain.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To solve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To solve is the main goal of this game.

    To solve is the main goal of this game.

    • "*To solve*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the main goal of this game).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to solve the math problem.

    She wants me to solve the math problem.

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

    I need a strategy to solve this puzzle.

    I need a strategy to solve this puzzle.

    • "*To solve* this puzzle" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to solve* this puzzle).

Solving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Solving complex equations requires advanced math skills.

    Solving complex equations requires advanced math skills.

    • "*Solving* complex equations" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (advanced math skills).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy solving crossword puzzles in my free time.

    I enjoy solving crossword puzzles in my free time.

    • "*Solving* crossword puzzles in my free time" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*solving* crossword puzzles in my free time).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for solving mysteries.

    He has a passion for solving mysteries.

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

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

He plans to solve the issue by the end of the week.

They hope to solve the mystery soon.

She wants to solve the problem on her own.

We decided to solve the puzzle together.

They agreed to solve the problem collaboratively.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys solving Sudoku puzzles for relaxation.

They recommend regular solving of puzzles for cognitive development.

I dislike the idea of solving complex problems under pressure.

He avoids solving math equations without a calculator.

Can you imagine yourself solving a Rubik's Cube in under a minute?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to solve riddles. He likes solving riddles.

We started to solve the puzzle together. We started solving the puzzle together.

She began to solve the problem by breaking it down into smaller parts. She began solving the problem by breaking it down into smaller parts.

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