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To Submit vs Submitting 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 submit (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to submit my application before the deadline.

Submitting (Gerund)

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

Example

Submitting the form is a quick and easy process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To submit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To submit is a necessary step in the application process.

    To submit is a necessary step in the application process.

    • "*To submit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in the application process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to submit the report by tomorrow.

    She wants me to submit the report by tomorrow.

    • "Me *to submit* the report by tomorrow" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to submit* the report by tomorrow).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a pen to submit my exam paper.

    I need a pen to submit my exam paper.

    • "*To submit* my exam paper" modifies the noun "pen."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to submit* my exam paper).

Submitting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Submitting your assignment is mandatory.

    Submitting your assignment is mandatory.

    • "*Submitting* your assignment" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (mandatory).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy submitting my artwork for competitions.

    I enjoy submitting my artwork for competitions.

    • "*Submitting* my artwork for competitions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*submitting* my artwork for competitions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for submitting creative ideas.

    She has a talent for submitting creative ideas.

    • "For *submitting* creative ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *submitting* creative ideas).

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 submit her proposal next week.

They hope to submit their work on time.

He wants to submit his resignation letter today.

We decided to submit our project before the deadline.

They agreed to submit their application together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys submitting her photographs to magazines.

They recommend submitting your application early.

I dislike the process of submitting paperwork.

He avoids submitting incomplete forms.

Can you imagine yourself submitting your thesis?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to submit her assignments online. She likes submitting her assignments online.

We started to submit our reports weekly. We started submitting our reports weekly.

He began to submit his artwork for exhibitions. He began submitting his artwork for exhibitions.

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