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To Sweep vs Sweeping 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 sweep (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to sweep the floor before guests arrive.

Sweeping (Gerund)

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

Example

Sweeping the floor is a daily task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To sweep (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To sweep is a simple household chore.

    To sweep is a simple household chore.

    • "*To sweep*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a simple household chore).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to sweep the patio.

    She wants me to sweep the patio.

    • "Me *to sweep* the patio" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to sweep* the patio).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a broom to sweep the leaves.

    I need a broom to sweep the leaves.

    • "*To sweep* the leaves" modifies the noun "broom."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a broom *to sweep* the leaves).

Sweeping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Sweeping the floor takes only a few minutes.

    Sweeping the floor takes only a few minutes.

    • "*Sweeping* the floor" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (takes) + noun phrase (only a few minutes).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy sweeping the patio.

    I enjoy sweeping the patio.

    • "*Sweeping* the patio" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*sweeping* the patio).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for sweeping the floors.

    She has a passion for sweeping the floors.

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

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 plans to sweep the entire house tomorrow.

They hope to sweep the backyard during the weekend.

He wants to sweep the garage floor.

We decided to sweep the porch this afternoon.

They agreed to sweep the living room together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys sweeping the kitchen every morning.

They recommend regular sweeping for a clean environment.

I dislike the idea of sweeping the stairs.

He avoids sweeping in dusty areas.

Can you imagine yourself sweeping a large warehouse?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to sweep the floors every day. She likes sweeping the floors every day.

We started to sweep the backyard. We started sweeping the backyard.

He began to sweep the driveway. He began sweeping the driveway.

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