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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 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 activity.

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.

    She wants me to surf with her.

    • "Me *to surf* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to surf* with her).
  • 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 coordination.

    Surfing requires balance and coordination.

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

    I enjoy surfing the waves.

    I enjoy surfing the waves.

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

    She has a passion for surfing.

    She has a passion for surfing.

    • "For *surfing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + 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 Hawaii next year.

I hope to surf in Australia someday.

He wants to surf in California this summer.

We decided to surf in Mexico for our vacation.

They agreed to surf together at the local beach.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys surfing in tropical destinations.

They recommend surfing as a way to connect with nature.

She dislikes the feeling of surfing in cold water.

I avoid surfing in dangerous conditions.

Can you imagine yourself surfing on a remote island?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to surf at sunrise. She likes surfing at sunrise.

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

He began to surf competitively. He began surfing competitively.

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