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To Succeed vs Succeeding 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 succeed (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to succeed in my career aspirations.

Succeeding (Gerund)

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

Example

Succeeding takes perseverance and resilience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To succeed (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To succeed requires hard work and determination.

    To succeed requires hard work and determination.

    • "*To succeed*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and determination).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to succeed in my studies.

    She wants me to succeed in my studies.

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

    I need a plan to succeed in this project.

    I need a plan to succeed in this project.

    • "*To succeed* in this project" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to succeed* in this project).

Succeeding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Succeeding requires dedication and hard work.

    Succeeding requires dedication and hard work.

    • "*Succeeding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and hard work).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy succeeding in my endeavors.

    I enjoy succeeding in my endeavors.

    • "*Succeeding* in my endeavors" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*succeeding* in my endeavors).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for succeeding in her career.

    She has a passion for succeeding in her career.

    • "For *succeeding* in her career" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *succeeding* in her career).

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 succeed in her business venture.

They hope to succeed in their fundraising efforts.

He wants to succeed in his academic pursuits.

We decided to succeed in our weight loss journey.

They agreed to succeed in their collaborative project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys succeeding in challenging situations.

They recommend setting goals for succeeding in life.

I dislike the idea of succeeding at the expense of others.

He avoids succeeding through unethical means.

Can you imagine yourself succeeding against all odds?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to succeed in competitive environments. She likes succeeding in competitive environments.

We started to succeed in our business venture. We started succeeding in our business venture.

He began to succeed in his career after years of hard work. He began succeeding in his career after years of hard work.

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