Help center

To Come vs Coming Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 come (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to come to the party tomorrow.

Coming (Gerund)

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

Example

Coming to the event was a great experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To come (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To come early is important for setting up the event.

    To come early is important for setting up the event.

    • "*To come* early" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for setting up the event).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to come to her graduation ceremony.

    She wants me to come to her graduation ceremony.

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

    We need a car to come pick us up.

    We need a car to come pick us up.

    • "*To come* pick us up" modifies the noun "car."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a car *to come* pick us up).

Coming (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Coming early shows dedication.

    Coming early shows dedication.

    • "*Coming* early" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (shows) + noun (dedication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy coming to this park.

    I enjoy coming to this park.

    • "*Coming* to this park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*coming* to this park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of coming to parties.

    She has a fear of coming to parties.

    • "Of *coming* to parties" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *coming* to parties).

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 plan to come to the meeting on time.

I hope to come with you on your trip.

He wants to come to the concert with us.

We decided to come to the party dressed as pirates.

They agreed to come to the wedding together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy coming to this restaurant for dinner.

I recommend coming early to secure good seats.

He dislikes the idea of coming to crowded places.

She avoids coming to social gatherings.

Can you imagine yourself coming to a foreign country alone?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She would like to come to the party. She would like coming to the party.

We started to come here regularly. We started coming here regularly.

He began to come to the gym every day. He began coming to the gym every day.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!