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To Surf vs Surfing 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 surf (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to surf the big waves at the beach.

Surfing (Gerund)

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

Example

Surfing is a popular water sport in coastal regions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To surf (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To surf is an exhilarating water sport.

    To surf is an exhilarating water sport.

    • "*To surf*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exhilarating water sport).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to surf with her in Hawaii.

    She wants me to surf with her in Hawaii.

    • "Me *to surf* with her in Hawaii" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to surf* with her in Hawaii).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a surfboard to surf the big waves.

    I need a surfboard to surf the big waves.

    • "*To surf* the big waves" modifies the noun "surfboard."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a surfboard *to surf* the big waves).

Surfing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Surfing requires balance and skill.

    Surfing requires balance and skill.

    • "*Surfing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (balance and skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy surfing the big waves.

    I enjoy surfing the big waves.

    • "*Surfing* the big waves" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*surfing* the big waves).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a passion for surfing.

    He has a passion for surfing.

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

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

They plan to surf in Australia next year.

He hopes to surf in Hawaii someday.

She wants to surf in California this summer.

We decided to surf at the famous surfing spot.

They agreed to surf together on the weekend.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys surfing in warm tropical waters.

They recommend regular surfing for improved balance and strength.

I dislike the idea of surfing in cold water.

He avoids surfing in rough conditions.

Can you imagine yourself surfing the perfect wave?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to surf early in the morning. I like surfing early in the morning.

They started to surf when they were teenagers. They started surfing when they were teenagers.

She began to surf after watching a surfing competition. She began surfing after watching a surfing competition.

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