To Transition vs Transitioning 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 transition (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to transition to a new career.

Transitioning (Gerund)

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

Example

Transitioning can be a difficult process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To transition (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To transition is a challenging process.

  To transition is a challenging process.

  • "*To transition*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to transition smoothly.

  She wants me to transition smoothly.

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

  I need a plan to transition effectively.

  I need a plan to transition effectively.

  • "*To transition* effectively" modifies the noun "plan."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to transition* effectively).

Transitioning (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Transitioning requires careful planning.

  Transitioning requires careful planning.

  • "*Transitioning*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy transitioning into new roles.

  I enjoy transitioning into new roles.

  • "*Transitioning* into new roles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*transitioning* into new roles).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for transitioning to different industries.

  She has a passion for transitioning to different industries.

  • "For *transitioning*" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *transitioning* to different 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

She plans to transition to a different job next year.

They hope to transition into a leadership role in the company.

He wants to transition to a more fulfilling career.

We decided to transition to a new industry.

They agreed to transition to a remote work setup.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys transitioning between different projects.

They recommend gradually transitioning into a new role.

I dislike the idea of transitioning without proper support.

He avoids transitioning to a different company without thorough research.

Can you imagine yourself transitioning to a completely new field?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to transition smoothly in her career. She likes transitioning between different roles in her career.

We started to transition our business to an online platform. We started transitioning our business to an online platform.

He began to transition to a new job after completing his degree. He began transitioning to a new job after completing his degree.