To Sustain vs Sustaining 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 sustain (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sustain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly.

Sustaining (Gerund)

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

Example

Sustaining a healthy lifestyle requires discipline and consistency.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sustain (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To sustain a high level of performance requires dedication and hard work.

  To sustain a high level of performance requires dedication and hard work.

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

  She wants me to sustain my efforts in the long run.

  She wants me to sustain my efforts in the long run.

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

  I need a balanced diet to sustain my energy levels.

  I need a balanced diet to sustain my energy levels.

  • "*To sustain* my energy levels" modifies the noun "balanced diet."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a balanced diet *to sustain* my energy levels).

Sustaining (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Sustaining good relationships is essential for overall well-being.

  Sustaining good relationships is essential for overall well-being.

  • "*Sustaining*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for overall well-being).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy sustaining a positive mindset in challenging situations.

  I enjoy sustaining a positive mindset in challenging situations.

  • "*Sustaining* a positive mindset in challenging situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sustaining* a positive mindset in challenging situations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for sustaining environmental conservation efforts.

  She has a passion for sustaining environmental conservation efforts.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to sustain her progress by following a strict workout routine.

They hope to sustain their motivation throughout the entire project.

He wants to sustain his focus and concentration during the exam.

We decided to sustain our efforts despite the challenges.

They agreed to sustain their commitment to the cause.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys sustaining a healthy work-life balance.

They recommend sustaining regular exercise for better physical health.

I dislike the idea of sustaining unhealthy habits.

He avoids sustaining toxic relationships.

Can you imagine yourself sustaining a successful business?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to sustain her productivity throughout the day. She likes sustaining her productivity throughout the day.

We started to sustain our environmental conservation efforts. We started sustaining our environmental conservation efforts.

He began to sustain his mental well-being through meditation. He began sustaining his mental well-being through meditation.