To Stop vs Stopping 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 stop (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to stop procrastinating and start working.

Stopping (Gerund)

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

Example

Stopping to smell the roses is important in our busy lives.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To stop (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To stop is the first step towards change.

  To stop is the first step towards change.

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

  She wants me to stop interrupting her.

  She wants me to stop interrupting her.

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

  I need a reminder to stop eating junk food.

  I need a reminder to stop eating junk food.

  • "*To stop* eating junk food" modifies the noun "reminder."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reminder *to stop* eating junk food).

Stopping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Stopping for a break can help improve productivity.

  Stopping for a break can help improve productivity.

  • "*Stopping* for a break" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can help) + noun phrase (improve productivity).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy stopping to admire the sunset.

  I enjoy stopping to admire the sunset.

  • "*Stopping* to admire the sunset" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*stopping* to admire the sunset).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of stopping for coffee on her way to work.

  She has a habit of stopping for coffee on her way to work.

  • "Of *stopping* for coffee on her way to work" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *stopping* for coffee on her way to work).

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

• decide
• hope
• plan
• attempt
• wish

Example

We decided to stop eating out and start cooking at home.

I hope to stop procrastinating and meet my deadlines.

She plans to stop smoking and improve her health.

He attempted to stop the car from crashing into the wall.

They wish to stop arguing and find a solution.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• imagine
• mind

Example

He avoids stopping to ask for directions.

They recommend stopping to take breaks during long drives.

I am considering stopping to rest before continuing the hike.

Can you imagine stopping to watch a beautiful sunset?

Do you mind stopping at the grocery store on the way home?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to stop and take a deep breath when things get overwhelming. She likes stopping to appreciate the little moments in life.

We began to stop worrying about things beyond our control. We began stopping to enjoy the present moment.

He continues to stop and reflect on his progress. He continues stopping to evaluate his actions.