To Thrive vs Thriving 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 thrive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to thrive in my career and achieve success.

Thriving (Gerund)

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

Example

Thriving in a challenging environment requires determination and perseverance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To thrive (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To thrive is the ultimate goal of every business.

  To thrive is the ultimate goal of every business.

  • "*To thrive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the ultimate goal of every business).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to thrive in my new role.

  She wants me to thrive in my new role.

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

  We need a supportive environment to thrive.

  We need a supportive environment to thrive.

  • "*To thrive*" modifies the noun phrase "a supportive environment."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a supportive environment *to thrive*).

Thriving (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Thriving in difficult times is a testament to one's resilience.

  Thriving in difficult times is a testament to one's resilience.

  • "*Thriving*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a testament to one's resilience).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy thriving in high-pressure situations.

  I enjoy thriving in high-pressure situations.

  • "*Thriving* in high-pressure situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*thriving* in high-pressure situations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a passion for thriving in competitive industries.

  He has a passion for thriving in competitive industries.

  • "For *thriving* in competitive industries" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *thriving* in competitive industries).

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

He plans to thrive in the competitive market by offering innovative products.

They hope to thrive in their new business venture.

She wants to thrive in her artistic career.

We decided to thrive by expanding our services.

They agreed to thrive as a team and achieve their goals.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys thriving in a fast-paced work environment.

They recommend thriving by constantly learning and adapting.

I dislike the idea of thriving at the expense of others.

He avoids thriving through unethical means.

Can you imagine yourself thriving in a leadership role?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to thrive in challenging situations. She likes thriving in challenging situations.

We started to thrive after implementing effective strategies. We started thriving after implementing effective strategies.

He began to thrive once he discovered his passion. He began thriving once he discovered his passion.