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To Warn vs Warning 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 warn (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to warn everyone about the potential dangers.

Warning (Gerund)

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

Example

Warning others is an important part of my job.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To warn (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To warn is his duty as a lifeguard.

    To warn is his duty as a lifeguard.

    • "*To warn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his duty as a lifeguard).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to warn her about the risks.

    She wants me to warn her about the risks.

    • "Me *to warn* her about the risks" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to warn* her about the risks).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a sign to warn people of the danger.

    We need a sign to warn people of the danger.

    • "*To warn* people of the danger" modifies the noun "sign."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sign *to warn* people of the danger).

Warning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Warning people about potential hazards is crucial.

    Warning people about potential hazards is crucial.

    • "*Warning* people about potential hazards" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy warning others about online scams.

    I enjoy warning others about online scams.

    • "*Warning* others about online scams" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*warning* others about online scams).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He received a citation for warning pedestrians.

    He received a citation for warning pedestrians.

    • "For *warning* pedestrians" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (received) + noun phrase (a citation for *warning* pedestrians).

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

They plan to warn the public about the upcoming storm.

I hope to warn others about the scam.

He wants to warn everyone to be cautious.

We decided to warn our neighbors about the recent burglaries.

They agreed to warn their colleagues about the new policy.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend warning people about the potential risks.

She avoids warning others unnecessarily.

I am considering warning my colleagues about the upcoming changes.

Do you mind warning me in advance next time?

Can you imagine warning someone about an impending disaster?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to warn you about the possible side effects. I would like warning you about the possible side effects.

We started to warn people about the dangers of smoking. We started warning people about the dangers of smoking.

He began to warn his friends about the scam. He began warning his friends about the scam.

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