To Stand vs Standing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To stand (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to stand at the front of the line to get a better view.

Standing (Gerund)

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

Example

Standing for long periods can cause back pain.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To stand (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To stand for hours can be exhausting.

  To stand for hours can be exhausting.

  • "*To stand*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (exhausting).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to stand beside her during the performance.

  She wants me to stand beside her during the performance.

  • "Me *to stand* beside her during the performance" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to stand* beside her during the performance).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a sturdy chair to stand on.

  He needs a sturdy chair to stand on.

  • "*To stand* on" modifies the noun "chair."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a sturdy chair *to stand* on).

Standing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Standing is a common posture during ceremonies.

  Standing is a common posture during ceremonies.

  • "*Standing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common posture during ceremonies).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy standing on the balcony and watching the sunset.

  I enjoy standing on the balcony and watching the sunset.

  • "*Standing* on the balcony and watching the sunset" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*standing* on the balcony and watching the sunset).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of standing in front of large crowds.

  She has a fear of standing in front of large crowds.

  • "Of *standing* in front of large crowds" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *standing* in front of large crowds).

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

• hope
• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• choose

Example

They hope to stand in the front row at the concert.

We decided to stand in line early to get the best tickets.

She refused to stand for hours waiting for the bus.

He attempted to stand on one leg for a minute.

They chose to stand instead of sitting during the presentation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• imagine

Example

They enjoy standing by the river and listening to the sound of water.

He avoids standing for too long to prevent leg fatigue.

I am considering standing for the entire concert to have a better view.

Doctors recommend regular breaks from standing to reduce the risk of muscle strain.

Can you imagine yourself standing on top of a mountain?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to stand at the back of the room. She likes standing at the back of the room.

We began to stand in solidarity with the protesters. We began standing in solidarity with the protesters.

He will continue to stand up for what he believes in. He will continue standing up for what he believes in.