To Think vs Thinking 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 think (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to think about it before making a decision.

Thinking (Gerund)

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

Example

Thinking positively can lead to better outcomes.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To think (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To think is a natural process of the human mind.

  To think is a natural process of the human mind.

  • "*To think*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process of the human mind).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to think about the proposal.

  She wants me to think about the proposal.

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

  He needs a quiet place to think clearly.

  He needs a quiet place to think clearly.

  • "*To think* clearly" modifies the noun "place."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to think* clearly).

Thinking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Thinking critically is an important skill.

  Thinking critically is an important skill.

  • "*Thinking* critically" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy thinking about new ideas.

  I enjoy thinking about new ideas.

  • "*Thinking* about new ideas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*thinking* about new ideas).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for thinking creatively.

  She has a talent for thinking creatively.

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

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

• decide
• hope
• want
• attempt
• refuse

Example

They decided to think about the offer overnight.

I hope to think of a solution soon.

She wants to think deeply about the problem.

He attempted to think critically about the situation.

We refused to think about the consequences.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• understand

Example

They considered thinking outside the box.

I recommend thinking before speaking.

He avoids thinking negatively.

Can you imagine thinking in a different language?

She understands the importance of critical thinking.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to think deeply about philosophical questions. I like thinking deeply about philosophical questions.

He started to think more positively. He started thinking more positively.

We began to think about our future plans. We began thinking about our future plans.