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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 a great way to entertain people.

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" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*telling* jokes).
  • 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

They agreed to tell the truth about what happened.

I hope to tell my parents about my decision soon.

He refused to tell them his secrets.

She wished to tell him the truth, but she couldn't.

We want to tell you something important.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys telling anecdotes at parties.

They recommend telling the truth in all situations.

I am considering telling him the news tomorrow.

She avoids telling him about her past.

Can you imagine telling your deepest secrets to a stranger?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to tell funny stories. I like telling funny stories.

He started to tell the truth. He started telling the truth.

They began to tell each other their secrets. They began telling each other their secrets.

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