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To Tell vs Telling 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 tell (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to tell you a secret.

Telling (Gerund)

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

Example

Telling stories is her favorite hobby.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To tell (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To tell the truth, I didn't enjoy the movie.

    To tell the truth, I didn't enjoy the movie.

    • "*To tell* the truth" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (did not) + noun phrase (the truth).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to tell her the story.

    She wants me to tell her the story.

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

    I need a microphone to tell my speech.

    I need a microphone to tell my speech.

    • "*To tell* my speech" modifies the noun "microphone."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a microphone *to tell* my speech).

Telling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Telling lies is not acceptable.

    Telling lies is not acceptable.

    • "*Telling* lies" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not acceptable).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy telling jokes to make people laugh.

    I enjoy telling jokes to make people laugh.

    • "*Telling* jokes to make people laugh" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*telling* jokes to make people laugh).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for telling stories.

    She has a talent for telling stories.

    • "For *telling* stories" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *telling* stories).

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

He promised to tell me the truth.

We decided to tell our parents about our plans.

She refused to tell him the secret.

They attempted to tell a funny joke at the party.

I want to tell you something important.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys telling anecdotes to his friends.

They recommend telling the truth in all situations.

She avoids telling people her personal problems.

I don't mind telling you my opinion.

We are considering telling our boss about the issue.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to tell jokes at parties. She likes telling jokes at parties.

We started to tell each other our secrets. We started telling each other our secrets.

He began to tell the story from the beginning. He began telling the story from the beginning.

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