To Use vs Using 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 use (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to use this new software for my project.

Using (Gerund)

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

Example

Using a smartphone has become a daily habit for many people.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To use (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To use a computer is essential in today's world.

  To use a computer is essential in today's world.

  • "*To use* a computer" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential in today's world).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to use her car for the trip.

  She wants me to use her car for the trip.

  • "Me *to use* her car for the trip" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to use* her car for the trip).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a tool to use for this task.

  I need a tool to use for this task.

  • "*To use* for this task" modifies the noun "tool."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to use* for this task).

Using (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Using a smartphone while driving is dangerous.

  Using a smartphone while driving is dangerous.

  • "*Using* a smartphone" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (dangerous).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy using social media to connect with friends.

  I enjoy using social media to connect with friends.

  • "*Using* social media to connect with friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*using* social media to connect with friends).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a preference for using a pen instead of a pencil.

  She has a preference for using a pen instead of a pencil.

  • "For *using* a pen instead of a pencil" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a preference for *using* a pen instead of a pencil).

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
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to use the new technology in her business.

They hope to use this opportunity to grow their company.

He wants to use his skills to help others.

We decided to use a different approach for the project.

They agreed to use the new software for their team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

She enjoys using her creativity in art projects.

They recommend using a sunscreen with high SPF.

He avoids using public transportation during peak hours.

Can you imagine yourself using virtual reality technology?

They are considering using renewable energy sources for their business.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to use her imagination when writing stories. She likes using her imagination when writing stories.

We started to use the new software for our projects. We started using the new software for our projects.

He began to use the new equipment for his workouts. He began using the new equipment for his workouts.