Questions about the differences between "gerunds", formed with -ing, and infinitives, formed with to.
Questions tagged [gerund-vs-infinitive]
202 questions
20
votes
1 answer
"It is worth mentioning" versus "it is worth to mention"
What’s the right way to use the phrase it is worth? Which of the following two approaches is right, and how they are different?
It is worth mentioning that [. . .]
It is worth to mention that [. . .]
Kay
- 633
13
votes
4 answers
"Suggest to go" vs. "suggest going"
I took an English assessment test online and this was my answer:
Someone suggested to go for a walk.
My answer was wrong and this was the correct sentence:
Someone suggested going for a walk.
Can someone please explain why my answer was wrong?
Ikki
- 275
9
votes
2 answers
Difference between a gerund acting as subject and an infinitive acting as a subject?
I am wondering whether there is any difference between a gerund acting as subject and an infinitive acting as a subject.
user77171
- 179
2
votes
1 answer
Cases that accept both "to" + infinitive and "to" + gerund
I have searched both Google and this site. According to Collins, predispose can accept both to + infinitive and to + gerund. I find this questionable, but there it is.
Other than that, I can think of approach:
We need a new approach to win…
Chuckk Hubbard
- 670
2
votes
1 answer
What I saw was him enter the building
(1) I saw him enter the building.
(2) What I saw was him _________ the building.
I'd like (2) to mean basically the same thing as (1).
Can "enter" (infinitive) be entered in the blank? (No pun intended.)
Or should it be "entering" instead?
JK2
- 6,553
2
votes
2 answers
'We'd love to see you joining us as a helper!' or 'We'd love to see you join us as a helper!'
What is better English?
'We'd love to see you joining us as a helper!'
or
'We'd love to see you join us as a helper!'
What is the rule?
Edit: Also, after Joe's comment, I should add that I'd like to have at least some formal side to this…
Zubo
- 141
1
vote
2 answers
‘Drive somebody to’: Why with infinitive?
We use ‘look forward to + gerund’. According to Cambridge the use of gerund is due to the fact that ‘to’ is a preposition when following ‘look forward’ (as opposed to an infinitive marker).
At the same time ‘drive somebody to (+ verb)’ requires the…
clark.p37
- 11
1
vote
0 answers
Gerund versus infinitive
I wonder if someone could offer feedback about the use and meaning difference between the use of infinitive and gerund
Being an artist is admitting you are lost and not wanting to be found.
Being an artist is to admit you are lost and not want to…
1
vote
2 answers
"Predisposed to" + gerund or infinitive?
My own logic and basic grammar rules would say gerund:
He is predisposed to plagiarizing.
Because I would also say:
He is predisposed to plagiarism.
But Google tells me that:
He is predisposed to plagiarize.
is just as common. I have also seen,…
Chuckk Hubbard
- 670
1
vote
1 answer
Do I need to use gerund after the "it wasn't until..." structure?
I need help with the grammar relating to the "it wasn't until" phrase.
It wasn't until I heard him speak/speaking that I recognized his voice.
Which is correct, speak or speaking? Why?
I would also like some helpful examples of usage.
Mate
- 31
- 1
- 2
1
vote
1 answer
"prone to collapse" or "prone to collapsing"?
Is there a difference between something that is "prone to collapse" and "prone to collapsing"? The former appears to be more common than the latter - but are they both acceptable?
user214728
- 11
1
vote
1 answer
“It's better being” vs “it’s better to be“
When gales tear at the mountain peaks, it's better to be a horse in Sunnfjord than an emperor in Russia.”
Should I use the being form there instead of to be? Why or why not? Are both ok, or is one wrong? How can you know?
demitrir
- 21
1
vote
1 answer
Gerund phrase vs infinitive phrase
I am having trouble using gerund/infinitive phrases. In this sentence, which is correct the infinitive or the gerund:
Clearly, more attention – and investment – is needed on leveraging/to leverage the role of intermediate small- and medium-sized…
user182449
- 11
1
vote
3 answers
Infinitive vs. gerund: is the meaning the same or is infinitive preferential for showing habit?
Is the meaning the same or is infinitive preferential for showing habit?
When I pour tea I like to put the milk in first.
When I pour tea I like putting the milk in first.
Revlis Lain
- 509
1
vote
3 answers
You're welcome, it's been my pleasure helping you out?
Is it correct to say:
You're welcome, it has been my pleasure helping you out!
Or is this more correct:
You're welcome, it has been my pleasure to help you out!
Or are both fine?
Simon
- 11