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To Win vs Winning 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 win (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to win the competition and prove myself.

Winning (Gerund)

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

Example

Winning brings a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To win (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To win requires hard work and dedication.

    To win requires hard work and dedication.

    • "*To win*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (hard work and dedication).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to win the game for our team.

    She wants me to win the game for our team.

    • "Me *to win* the game for our team" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to win* the game for our team).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a strategy to win the match.

    We need a strategy to win the match.

    • "*To win* the match" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to win* the match).

Winning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Winning is not everything, but it feels great.

    Winning is not everything, but it feels great.

    • "*Winning*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not everything, but it feels great).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy winning against tough opponents.

    I enjoy winning against tough opponents.

    • "*Winning* against tough opponents" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*winning* against tough opponents).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for winning competitions.

    He has a talent for winning competitions.

    • "For *winning* competitions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *winning* competitions).

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

He plans to win the championship next year.

They hope to win the lottery and become millionaires.

She wants to win the race and set a new record.

We decided to win the game at any cost.

They agreed to win the contract by offering the lowest bid.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys winning every game she plays.

They recommend regular winning strategies for success.

I dislike the feeling of winning at someone else's expense.

He avoids winning by cheating or unfair means.

Can you imagine the thrill of winning the championship?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to win at everything I do. I like winning in any competition.

They started to win consistently after changing their training routine. They started winning consistently after changing their training routine.

He began to win trophies at a young age. He began winning trophies at a young age.

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