To Update vs Updating 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 update (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to update my resume before applying for the job.

Updating (Gerund)

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

Example

Updating your software regularly helps protect against security threats.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To update (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To update regularly is important for maintaining security.

  To update regularly is important for maintaining security.

  • "*To update* regularly" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for maintaining security).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to update the website content.

  She wants me to update the website content.

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

  We need a software to update the inventory automatically.

  We need a software to update the inventory automatically.

  • "*To update* the inventory automatically" modifies the noun "software."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a software *to update* the inventory automatically).

Updating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Updating the website is a priority for the company.

  Updating the website is a priority for the company.

  • "*Updating* the website" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a priority for the company).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy updating my social media profiles.

  I enjoy updating my social media profiles.

  • "*Updating* my social media profiles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*updating* my social media profiles).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for updating outdated fashion trends.

  She has a knack for updating outdated fashion trends.

  • "For *updating* outdated fashion trends" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *updating* outdated fashion trends).

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
• decide
• want
• refuse
• manage

Example

He plans to update the system next week.

They decided to update the website design.

She wants to update her wardrobe for the new season.

We refused to update the software without proper testing.

He managed to update the database within the given timeframe.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine
• practice

Example

They recommend regularly updating your antivirus software.

I am considering updating my phone to the latest model.

He avoids updating his computer software due to compatibility issues.

Can you imagine updating your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends?

She practices regularly updating her blog with fresh content.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to update my skills in web development. I would like updating my skills in web development.

They started to update their website for better user experience. They started updating their website for better user experience.

He began to update the software as soon as the new version was released. He began updating the software as soon as the new version was released.