To Switch vs Switching 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 switch (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to switch my phone provider for better coverage.

Switching (Gerund)

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

Example

Switching jobs can be stressful but rewarding.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To switch (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To switch is a difficult decision to make.

  To switch is a difficult decision to make.

  • "*To switch*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult decision to make).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to switch my job.

  She wants me to switch my job.

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

  We have a button to switch the lights on and off.

  We have a button to switch the lights on and off.

  • "*To switch* the lights on and off" modifies the noun "button."
  • Noun (We) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a button *to switch* the lights on and off).

Switching (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Switching careers requires careful consideration.

  Switching careers requires careful consideration.

  • "*Switching* careers" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful consideration).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy switching up my daily routine.

  I enjoy switching up my daily routine.

  • "*Switching* up my daily routine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*switching* up my daily routine).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They are tired of switching between different tasks.

  They are tired of switching between different tasks.

  • "Tired of *switching* between different tasks" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are) + noun phrase (tired of *switching* between different tasks).

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
• decide
• want
• hope
• refuse

Example

He plans to switch to a new apartment next month.

They decided to switch their travel plans at the last minute.

She wants to switch her major in college.

I hope to switch to a healthier diet soon.

He refused to switch his loyalty to another team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• mind
• imagine

Example

I avoid switching lanes in heavy traffic.

Experts recommend switching to a healthier lifestyle.

She is considering switching to a more eco-friendly car.

I don't mind switching seats with you.

Can you imagine switching places with someone else?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to switch things up every now and then. He likes switching things up every now and then.

We started to switch our meeting time to the afternoon. We started switching our meeting time to the afternoon.

She began to switch her career path. She began switching her career path.