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To Walk vs Walking 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 walk (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to walk to work instead of taking the bus.

Walking (Gerund)

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

Example

Walking is a simple and enjoyable way to stay active.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To walk (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To walk is a great form of exercise.

    To walk is a great form of exercise.

    • "*To walk*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great form of exercise).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to walk with her in the park.

    She wants me to walk with her in the park.

    • "Me *to walk* with her in the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to walk* with her in the park).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need comfortable shoes to walk long distances.

    I need comfortable shoes to walk long distances.

    • "*To walk* long distances" modifies the noun "shoes."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (comfortable shoes *to walk* long distances).

Walking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Walking can improve cardiovascular health.

    Walking can improve cardiovascular health.

    • "*Walking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can improve) + noun phrase (cardiovascular health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy walking in the park.

    I enjoy walking in the park.

    • "*Walking* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*walking* in the park).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for walking in nature.

    She has a passion for walking in nature.

    • "For *walking* in nature" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *walking* in nature).

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 walk to the grocery store tomorrow.

They hope to walk on the beach during their vacation.

He wants to walk in nature trails.

We decided to walk in the park this weekend.

They agreed to walk together in the morning.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys walking in the neighborhood every evening.

They recommend regular walking for better health.

I dislike the idea of walking in the rain.

He avoids walking in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself walking in the mountains?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to walk in the park. She likes walking in the park.

We started to walk every morning. We started walking every morning.

He began to walk for fitness. He began walking for fitness.

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