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To Worry vs Worrying 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 worry (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to worry about the future.

Worrying (Gerund)

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

Example

Worrying won't change the outcome.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To worry (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To worry is a waste of time.

    To worry is a waste of time.

    • "*To worry*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a waste of time).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to worry about her safety.

    She wants me to worry about her safety.

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

    He needs a solution to worry less.

    He needs a solution to worry less.

    • "*To worry* less" modifies the noun "solution."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a solution *to worry* less).

Worrying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Worrying is not good for your health.

    Worrying is not good for your health.

    • "*Worrying*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not good for your health).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy worrying about small details.

    I enjoy worrying about small details.

    • "*Worrying* about small details" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*worrying* about small details).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of worrying too much.

    She has a fear of worrying too much.

    • "Of *worrying* too much" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *worrying* too much).

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

We decided to worry about it later.

She plans to worry less and enjoy life more.

They hope to worry less about money in the future.

He wants to worry less about what others think.

I will try to worry less and be more optimistic.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids worrying about things he cannot control.

They recommend worrying less and living in the present moment.

Do you mind worrying about the details?

I am considering worrying less and focusing on positive thoughts.

Can you imagine worrying about every little thing?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to worry about every possible outcome. She likes worrying about every possible outcome.

We started to worry about the situation. We started worrying about the situation.

He began to worry about his health. He began worrying about his health.

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