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To Spare vs Sparing 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 spare (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to spare some time for myself.

Sparing (Gerund)

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

Example

Sparing time for yourself is important.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To spare (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To spare is a valuable skill.

    To spare is a valuable skill.

    • "*To spare*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to spare some money for her.

    She wants me to spare some money for her.

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

    I need a few minutes to spare.

    I need a few minutes to spare.

    • "*To spare*" modifies the noun "minutes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a few minutes *to spare*).

Sparing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sparing money is a good habit.

    Sparing money is a good habit.

    • "*Sparing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a good habit).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sparing some time for my hobbies.

    I enjoy sparing some time for my hobbies.

    • "*Sparing* some time for my hobbies" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sparing* some time for my hobbies).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for sparing money.

    She has a passion for sparing money.

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

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 spare some time for a vacation.

They hope to spare some money for their dream house.

He wants to spare some energy for his hobbies.

We decided to spare some resources for future use.

They agreed to spare some effort for the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sparing some money for her future.

They recommend sparing time for self-care.

I dislike the idea of sparing any expenses.

He avoids sparing any effort in his work.

Can you imagine sparing some time for relaxation?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to spare some money for emergencies. She likes sparing some money for emergencies.

We started to spare more time for family activities. We started sparing more time for family activities.

He began to spare a portion of his income for savings. He began sparing a portion of his income for savings.

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