To Tackle vs Tackling 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 tackle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to tackle this difficult project head-on.

Tackling (Gerund)

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

Example

Tackling difficult tasks requires focus and determination.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To tackle (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To tackle a challenging task requires determination and perseverance.

  To tackle a challenging task requires determination and perseverance.

  • "*To tackle* a challenging task" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (determination and perseverance).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to tackle the problem with a fresh perspective.

  She wants me to tackle the problem with a fresh perspective.

  • "Me *to tackle* the problem with a fresh perspective" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to tackle* the problem with a fresh perspective).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a team to tackle the issue effectively.

  We need a team to tackle the issue effectively.

  • "*To tackle* the issue effectively" modifies the noun "team."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a team *to tackle* the issue effectively).

Tackling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Tackling complex problems can lead to innovative solutions.

  Tackling complex problems can lead to innovative solutions.

  • "*Tackling* complex problems" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (innovative solutions).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy tackling new challenges at work.

  I enjoy tackling new challenges at work.

  • "*Tackling* new challenges at work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*tackling* new challenges at work).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for tackling difficult situations.

  He has a talent for tackling difficult situations.

  • "For *tackling* difficult situations" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *tackling* difficult situations).

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

They plan to tackle the project together next week.

He hopes to tackle the challenge successfully.

She wants to tackle the difficult task on her own.

We decided to tackle the problem head-on.

They agreed to tackle the issue collaboratively.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys tackling complex problems and finding solutions.

Experts recommend regularly tackling challenging tasks to improve problem-solving skills.

They avoid tackling issues that are beyond their expertise.

I am considering tackling a new project next month.

Can you imagine yourself tackling difficult tasks with ease?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to tackle difficult problems head-on. I like tackling difficult problems head-on.

They started to tackle the assignment early. They started tackling the assignment early.

He began to tackle the challenge with enthusiasm. He began tackling the challenge with enthusiasm.