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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 problem as soon as possible.

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 problems requires critical thinking skills.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To solve (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To solve the equation, you need to use algebraic methods.

    To solve the equation, you need to use algebraic methods.

    • "*To solve* the equation" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (need) + noun phrase (algebraic methods).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to solve the puzzle for her.

    She wants me to solve the puzzle for her.

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

    I need a calculator to solve complex math problems.

    I need a calculator to solve complex math problems.

    • "*To solve* complex math problems" modifies the noun "calculator."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calculator *to solve* complex math problems).

Solving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Solving complex equations can be challenging.

    Solving complex equations can be challenging.

    • "*Solving* complex equations" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (challenging).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy solving puzzles in my free time.

    I enjoy solving puzzles in my free time.

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

    He has a talent for solving difficult problems.

    He has a talent for solving difficult problems.

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

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 mystery by gathering clues.

They hope to solve the puzzle before dinner.

We want to solve this issue once and for all.

I decided to solve the problem on my own.

They agreed to solve the puzzle together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys solving math equations.

They recommend solving the problem step by step.

I dislike the idea of solving complex puzzles.

He avoids solving problems under pressure.

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

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to solve riddles and brain teasers. I like solving riddles and brain teasers.

They started to solve the mystery together. They started solving the mystery together.

He began to solve the puzzle from the edges. He began solving the puzzle from the edges.

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