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To Unlock vs Unlocking 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 unlock (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to unlock the door with my key.

Unlocking (Gerund)

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

Example

Unlocking the door requires a key.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unlock (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To unlock the safe requires a special code.

    To unlock the safe requires a special code.

    • "*To unlock* the safe" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a special code).
  • 2Object

    She asked him to unlock the car for her.

    She asked him to unlock the car for her.

    • "Him *to unlock* the car for her" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to unlock* the car for her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a key to unlock the gate.

    I need a key to unlock the gate.

    • "*To unlock* the gate" modifies the noun "key."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a key *to unlock* the gate).

Unlocking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Unlocking the phone is easy.

    Unlocking the phone is easy.

    • "*Unlocking* the phone" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (easy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy unlocking puzzles.

    I enjoy unlocking puzzles.

    • "*Unlocking* puzzles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*unlocking* puzzles).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for unlocking doors.

    He has a talent for unlocking doors.

    • "For *unlocking* doors" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *unlocking* doors).

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

He plans to unlock the treasure chest tomorrow.

They hope to unlock the mystery behind the crime.

She wants to unlock the secret to success.

We decided to unlock the hidden door.

They agreed to unlock the box together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys unlocking new challenges.

They recommend practicing unlocking techniques.

I dislike the process of unlocking complicated locks.

He avoids unlocking doors without permission.

Can you imagine yourself unlocking the mysteries of the universe?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to unlock doors with my own set of keys. I like unlocking doors with my own set of keys.

We started to unlock the safe together. We started unlocking the safe together.

He began to unlock the door using a lock pick. He began unlocking the door using a lock pick.

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