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To Spar vs Sparring 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 spar (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to spar with a professional boxer to improve my skills.

Sparring (Gerund)

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

Example

Sparring is a great way to practice your boxing techniques.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To spar (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To spar is an essential part of boxing training.

    To spar is an essential part of boxing training.

    • "*To spar*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of boxing training).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to spar with him in the ring.

    He wants me to spar with him in the ring.

    • "Me *to spar* with him in the ring" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to spar* with him in the ring).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a partner to spar with in the gym.

    I need a partner to spar with in the gym.

    • "*To spar* with in the gym" modifies the noun "partner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to spar* with in the gym).

Sparring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sparring requires skill and strategy.

    Sparring requires skill and strategy.

    • "*Sparring*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and strategy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sparring with my training partner.

    I enjoy sparring with my training partner.

    • "*Sparring* with my training partner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sparring* with my training partner).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for sparring.

    He has a passion for sparring.

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

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 spar with a professional boxer next month.

They hope to spar in the upcoming tournament.

He wants to spar with a skilled opponent.

We decided to spar twice a week for better conditioning.

They agreed to spar as part of their training routine.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sparring with different opponents.

They recommend regular sparring sessions for skill improvement.

I dislike the idea of sparring without proper protective gear.

He avoids sparring with inexperienced boxers.

Can you imagine yourself sparring with a professional fighter?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to spar with challenging opponents. She likes sparring with challenging opponents.

We started to spar regularly at the boxing gym. We started sparring regularly at the boxing gym.

He began to spar with more experienced fighters. He began sparring with more experienced fighters.

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