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To Strive vs Striving 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 strive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to strive for excellence in everything I do.

Striving (Gerund)

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

Example

Striving for improvement is important in personal development.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To strive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To strive is the key to success.

    To strive is the key to success.

    • "*To strive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the key to success).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to strive for my goals.

    She wants me to strive for my goals.

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

    I need a challenge to strive for.

    I need a challenge to strive for.

    • "*To strive* for" modifies the noun "challenge."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a challenge *to strive* for).

Striving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Striving for perfection can be exhausting.

    Striving for perfection can be exhausting.

    • "*Striving* for perfection" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (exhausting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy striving for success in my career.

    I enjoy striving for success in my career.

    • "*Striving* for success in my career" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*striving* for success in my career).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for striving towards her goals.

    She has a passion for striving towards her goals.

    • "For *striving* towards her goals" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *striving* towards her goals).

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 strive for greatness in her career.

They hope to strive for a better future.

He wants to strive for success in his studies.

We decided to strive for excellence in our work.

They agreed to strive for their dreams together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys striving for excellence in her hobbies.

They recommend continuous striving for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of striving for perfection.

He avoids striving for materialistic possessions.

Can you imagine yourself striving for your dreams?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to strive for greatness in her endeavors. She likes striving for greatness in her endeavors.

We started to strive for a better future. We started striving for a better future.

He began to strive for success in his career. He began striving for success in his career.

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