When to use the article "el" with infinitives in Spanish?

Question

What is the difference between, for example, "el comer" and just "comer" when used as a noun? The case I'm thinking of would use a gerund in English. For example,> **El comer** chuches antes de cenar no es bueno.vs.> **Comer** chuches antes de cenar no es bueno.vs. the English> **Eating** sweets before supper isn't good.In the Spanish examples, what difference in meaning, if any, is there when using the article "el?" This specific example is just for discussion, but I'd like the answer to address the use general.

Answer 1

Hi!

You are right, the article EL before an infinitive verb is like using gerunds. You can say EL COMER DULCE ANTES DE LAS 8 PM... or COMER DULCE ANTES DE LAS 8 PM...either one is correct. For me the difference would be notice maybe in the pronunciation. If you say EL COMER...the tone is emphasized in the article EL, whereas the second one needs the tone on the verb COMER. When the article is used before an infinitive usually it is for a warning, contrast or description so you will expect a consequence.

Answer 2

To me to write it either way is correct.

to me writing it either way is correct.

As you can see there is somehow the same dilemma in English. In Spanish, the infinitive used as a substantive can either be written with or without the definite article. What is the difference? the article makes emphasis on the identity of the thing (there is some kind of strong emphasis). versus the lack of article which emphasizes the quality of the thing (more impersonal). we see this in English as well, you can say: this is a house, or this is the house. The issue here is not the use of the infinitive, but rather the use of the article. If none of this make sense, let it be sufficient to say that you can write it either way.

here is an interesting example, with its equivalent in English.

Porque para mí el vivir es Cristo, y el morir es ganancia. (RVR60)

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (KJV)

Vale!