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To Understand vs Understanding 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 understand (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to understand the concept before moving on.

Understanding (Gerund)

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

Example

Understanding different cultures is important in a globalized world.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To understand (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To understand is essential for success in this field.

    To understand is essential for success in this field.

    • "*To understand*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (essential) + prepositional phrase (for success in this field).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to understand her point of view.

    She wants me to understand her point of view.

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

    I need a clear explanation to understand the topic.

    I need a clear explanation to understand the topic.

    • "*To understand* the topic" modifies the noun "explanation."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear explanation *to understand* the topic).

Understanding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Understanding is a key skill in effective communication.

    Understanding is a key skill in effective communication.

    • "*Understanding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key skill in effective communication).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy understanding how things work.

    I enjoy understanding how things work.

    • "*Understanding* how things work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*understanding* how things work).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for understanding complex concepts.

    She has a talent for understanding complex concepts.

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

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 hope to understand the instructions before starting the project.

She plans to understand the problem thoroughly.

He refuses to understand the complexity of the situation.

We decided to understand each other's perspectives.

I want to understand the underlying principles.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend understanding the local customs when traveling abroad.

I am considering understanding the needs of my customers better.

He avoids understanding his own emotions.

Do you mind understanding the instructions again?

Can you imagine understanding different languages fluently?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to understand complex theories. I like understanding complex theories.

We started to understand the problem from different angles. We started understanding the problem from different angles.

He began to understand the intricacies of the subject. He began understanding the intricacies of the subject.

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