To Weigh vs Weighing 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 weigh (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Weighing (Gerund)

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

Example

Weighing the options can help you make a better decision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To weigh (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To weigh is an important step in the cooking process.

  To weigh is an important step in the cooking process.

  • "*To weigh*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the cooking process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to weigh the options for her.

  She wants me to weigh the options for her.

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

  I need a scale to weigh the ingredients.

  I need a scale to weigh the ingredients.

  • "*To weigh* the ingredients" modifies the noun "scale."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a scale *to weigh* the ingredients).

Weighing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Weighing the pros and cons is crucial in decision-making.

  Weighing the pros and cons is crucial in decision-making.

  • "*Weighing* the pros and cons" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial in decision-making).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy weighing different possibilities.

  I enjoy weighing different possibilities.

  • "*Weighing* different possibilities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*weighing* different possibilities).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for weighing complex arguments.

  She has a talent for weighing complex arguments.

  • "For *weighing* complex arguments" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *weighing* complex arguments).

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

• decide
• plan
• want
• determine
• manage

Example

We decided to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

She plans to weigh herself every morning to track her progress.

He wants to weigh the luggage before going to the airport.

They determined to weigh the evidence before reaching a conclusion.

I managed to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed choice.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• mind
• imagine

Example

I consider weighing the consequences before taking action.

Experts recommend weighing the risks and benefits of any decision.

He avoids weighing himself too often to maintain a healthy body image.

Do you mind weighing the package for me?

Can you imagine weighing the impact of your choices on others?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to weigh my options before making a purchase. I like weighing different alternatives.

She started to weigh herself regularly to monitor her weight. She started weighing herself regularly to monitor her weight.

They began to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative. They began weighing the pros and cons of each alternative.