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To Seek vs Seeking 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 seek (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to seek the truth in all situations.

Seeking (Gerund)

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

Example

Seeking knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To seek (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To seek is a natural human instinct.

    To seek is a natural human instinct.

    • "*To seek*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural human instinct).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to seek the answers.

    She wants me to seek the answers.

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

    I need a guide to seek guidance.

    I need a guide to seek guidance.

    • "*To seek* guidance" modifies the noun "guide."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to seek* guidance).

Seeking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Seeking adventure is part of their nature.

    Seeking adventure is part of their nature.

    • "*Seeking* adventure" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (part of their nature).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy seeking new experiences.

    I enjoy seeking new experiences.

    • "*Seeking* new experiences" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*seeking* new experiences).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for seeking truth.

    She has a passion for seeking truth.

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

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 hope to seek justice for their loved one.

He wants to seek revenge against his enemies.

We decided to seek professional help for our problem.

She chose to seek a second opinion before making a decision.

The team determined to seek new strategies for success.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys seeking challenges in her career.

They recommend seeking professional advice before making a decision.

He avoids seeking confrontation in conflicts.

Can you imagine yourself seeking new opportunities abroad?

We are considering seeking funding for our project.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to seek answers to philosophical questions. She likes seeking answers to philosophical questions.

We started to seek solutions to the problem. We started seeking solutions to the problem.

He began to seek inner peace. He began seeking inner peace.

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