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To Upload vs Uploading 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 upload (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to upload my photos to the cloud for safekeeping.

Uploading (Gerund)

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

Example

Uploading files can be time-consuming.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To upload (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To upload is a necessary step in sharing files online.

    To upload is a necessary step in sharing files online.

    • "*To upload*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in sharing files online).
  • 2Object

    She asked me to upload the documents to the server.

    She asked me to upload the documents to the server.

    • "Me *to upload* the documents to the server" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to upload* the documents to the server).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a fast internet connection to upload large files.

    I need a fast internet connection to upload large files.

    • "*To upload* large files" modifies the noun "internet connection."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fast internet connection *to upload* large files).

Uploading (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Uploading is an essential part of sharing information online.

    Uploading is an essential part of sharing information online.

    • "*Uploading*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of sharing information online).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy uploading videos to social media platforms.

    I enjoy uploading videos to social media platforms.

    • "*Uploading* videos to social media platforms" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*uploading* videos to social media platforms).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for uploading content that goes viral.

    She has a talent for uploading content that goes viral.

    • "For *uploading* content that goes viral" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *uploading* content that goes viral).

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

She plans to upload the video tomorrow.

They hope to upload the photos before the deadline.

He wants to upload the presentation to the website.

We decided to upload the files to the cloud storage.

They agreed to upload the document together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys uploading photos to her online portfolio.

They recommend regularly uploading updates to the website.

I avoid uploading sensitive information to public servers.

Can you imagine yourself uploading videos with millions of views?

Do you mind uploading the file for me?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to upload her artwork on social media. She likes uploading her artwork on social media.

We started to upload our files to the cloud storage. We started uploading our files to the cloud storage.

He began to upload his music to online platforms. He began uploading his music to online platforms.

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