To Understand vs Understanding 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 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 forward.

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 today's globalized world.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To understand (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To understand is essential for success in any field.

  To understand is essential for success in any field.

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

  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).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a clear explanation to understand the process.

  I need a clear explanation to understand the process.

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

Understanding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Understanding requires empathy and open-mindedness.

  Understanding requires empathy and open-mindedness.

  • "*Understanding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (empathy and open-mindedness).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy understanding people's motivations.

  I enjoy understanding people's motivations.

  • "*Understanding* people's motivations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*understanding* people's motivations).
• 3. Object 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

• hope
• want
• decide
• agree
• attempt

Example

They hope to understand the instructions before starting the task.

He wants to understand the rules of the game.

We decided to understand the problem thoroughly.

They agreed to understand each other's perspectives.

She attempted to understand the complex theory.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys understanding different perspectives.

They recommend developing a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

He avoids understanding the complexities of the situation.

I am considering understanding the implications of the decision.

Can you imagine understanding multiple languages fluently?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to understand new concepts. She likes understanding new concepts.

We started to understand the underlying principles. We started understanding the underlying principles.

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