To Suffer vs Suffering 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 suffer (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to suffer in silence and will speak up for my rights.

Suffering (Gerund)

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

Example

Suffering is a natural part of the human condition.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To suffer (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To suffer is a part of the human experience.

  To suffer is a part of the human experience.

  • "*To suffer*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a part of the human experience).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to suffer the consequences of my actions.

  She wants me to suffer the consequences of my actions.

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

  I need a solution to suffer less pain.

  I need a solution to suffer less pain.

  • "*To suffer* less pain" modifies the noun "solution."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to suffer* less pain).

Suffering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Suffering can teach us valuable lessons.

  Suffering can teach us valuable lessons.

  • "*Suffering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can teach) + noun phrase (us valuable lessons).
• 2. Object

  I can't stand suffering in silence.

  I can't stand suffering in silence.

  • "*Suffering* in silence" is the object of the verb "can't stand."
  • Noun (I) + verb (can't stand) + gerund (*suffering* in silence).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of suffering.

  She has a fear of suffering.

  • "Of *suffering*" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *suffering*).

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

• agree
• plan
• hope
• wish
• decide

Example

They agreed to suffer together in order to achieve their goal.

We plan to suffer through this difficult time and come out stronger.

I hope not to suffer from the same mistake again.

He wishes to suffer less in his daily life.

She decided to suffer in silence rather than speak up.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• mind
• imagine
• consider

Example

He avoids suffering by taking good care of his health.

Doctors recommend seeking help to alleviate suffering.

I don't mind suffering a little discomfort for long-term benefits.

Can you imagine suffering through such a difficult situation?

They are considering ways to reduce suffering in their community.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• continue

Example

She doesn't like to suffer alone. She doesn't like suffering alone.

They started to suffer the consequences of their actions. They started suffering the consequences of their actions.

He continues to suffer silently. He continues suffering silently.