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To Strengthen vs Strengthening 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 strengthen (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to strengthen my muscles by lifting weights.

Strengthening (Gerund)

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

Example

Strengthening your core can improve your posture.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To strengthen (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To strengthen your immune system, eat a balanced diet.

    To strengthen your immune system, eat a balanced diet.

    • "*To strengthen* your immune system" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (strengthen) + noun phrase (your immune system).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to strengthen my leadership skills.

    She wants me to strengthen my leadership skills.

    • "Me *to strengthen* my leadership skills" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to strengthen* my leadership skills).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a gym to strengthen my muscles.

    I need a gym to strengthen my muscles.

    • "*To strengthen* my muscles" modifies the noun "gym."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a gym *to strengthen* my muscles).

Strengthening (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Strengthening your muscles takes time and dedication.

    Strengthening your muscles takes time and dedication.

    • "*Strengthening* your muscles" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (time and dedication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy strengthening my mind through reading.

    I enjoy strengthening my mind through reading.

    • "*Strengthening* my mind" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*strengthening* my mind).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for strengthening her problem-solving skills.

    She has a passion for strengthening her problem-solving skills.

    • "For *strengthening* her problem-solving skills" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *strengthening* her problem-solving skills).

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

He plans to strengthen his core with daily exercises.

I hope to strengthen my relationships with my family and friends.

They want to strengthen their financial stability.

We decided to strengthen our communication skills through workshops.

They agreed to strengthen their partnership for mutual benefits.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys strengthening his body through regular workouts.

Doctors recommend strengthening your bones with weight-bearing exercises.

She dislikes the feeling of soreness after strengthening her muscles.

I avoid strengthening my weaknesses and focusing on my strengths.

Can you imagine the benefits of strengthening your resilience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to strengthen my skills through practice. I like strengthening my skills through practice.

They started to strengthen their bond by spending more time together. They started strengthening their bond by spending more time together.

He began to strengthen his body with weightlifting. He began strengthening his body with weightlifting.

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