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To Sing vs Singing 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 sing (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sing at the concert to showcase my talent.

Singing (Gerund)

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

Example

Singing brings joy to people's lives.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sing (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    To sing is her favorite hobby.

    • "*To sing*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her favorite hobby).
  • 2Object

    They asked me to sing a song for them.

    They asked me to sing a song for them.

    • "Me *to sing* a song for them" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (They) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to sing* a song for them).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a microphone to sing in the concert.

    He needs a microphone to sing in the concert.

    • "*To sing* in the concert" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a microphone *to sing* in the concert).

Singing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Singing is a great way to express emotions.

    Singing is a great way to express emotions.

    • "*Singing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to express emotions).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    I enjoy singing in the shower.

    • "*Singing* in the shower" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*singing* in the shower).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for singing.

    She has a passion for singing.

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

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 hopes to sing in the talent show next week.

They decided to sing a duet together.

He wants to sing his favorite song on stage.

We chose to sing a medley of popular songs.

She learned to sing by taking vocal lessons.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys singing with a choir.

They recommend regular singing for vocal health.

I am considering singing professionally.

She avoids singing in public.

Can you imagine yourself singing on a big stage?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sing in the shower. She likes singing in the shower.

We started to sing together in a band. We started singing together in a band.

He began to sing professionally. He began singing professionally.

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