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To Start vs Starting 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 start (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to start learning a new language.

Starting (Gerund)

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

Example

Starting early in the morning helps increase productivity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To start (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To start is the first step towards success.

    To start is the first step towards success.

    • "*To start*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step towards success).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to start the project.

    She wants me to start the project.

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

    We need a plan to start the business.

    We need a plan to start the business.

    • "*To start* the business" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to start* the business).

Starting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Starting is always the hardest part.

    Starting is always the hardest part.

    • "*Starting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always the hardest part).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy starting my day with a cup of coffee.

    I enjoy starting my day with a cup of coffee.

    • "*Starting* my day with a cup of coffee" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*starting* my day with a cup of coffee).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of starting projects but never finishing them.

    She has a habit of starting projects but never finishing them.

    • "Of *starting* projects but never finishing them" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *starting* projects but never finishing them).

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 agreed to start working on the project immediately.

We plan to start our journey early in the morning.

He hopes to start his own business someday.

She wants to start a new chapter in her life.

I decided to start saving money for my dream vacation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy starting their day with a morning jog.

I recommend starting your presentation with a captivating introduction.

He avoids starting any new projects during the busy season.

Can you imagine starting a new career at this stage of your life?

Do you mind starting the meeting without me?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to start her day with meditation. She likes starting her day with meditation.

We planned to start the project next week. We planned starting the project next week.

He began to start his own business. He began starting his own business.

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