Infinitive or gerund?

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Which is better, infinitive or gerund?
1-1. To be a mother is not so easy.
1-2. Being a mother is not so easy.
2-1. To be a mother needs/requires a lot of sacrifice.
2-2. Being a mother needs/requires a lot of sacrifice.
3-1. (For you) To be a mother needs/requires another six more months.
3-2. (Your) Being a mother needs/requires another six more months.
4-1. To be a mother needs/requires about 270 days.
4-2. Being a mother needs/requires about 270 days.
5-1. To get married means to make a small society.
5-2. Getting married means making a small society.
Thanks a million.
Ann

[Pete]

Hi,
Which is better, infinitive or gerund?

[See below.]

Thanks a million.
Ann
1-1. To be a mother is not so easy. [Ok. Sounds a bit hypothetical.]
1-2. Being a mother is not so easy. [Ok. Sounds like the voice of experience.]
2-1. To be a mother needs/requires a lot of sacrifice. [Ok.]
2-2. Being a mother needs/requires a lot of sacrifice. [Ok.]
3-1. (For you) To be a mother needs/requires another six more months. [Needs "for you" to be understood. Possible, but a bit awkward. Better:
- It will require another six months for you to be a mother. ]
3-2. (Your) Being a mother needs/requires another six more months. [Doesn't sound natural to me.]
4-1. To become a mother needs/requires about 270 days. [I think "become" fits here. I don't know why, but "requires" sounds better to me.]
4-2. Being a mother needs/requires about 270 days. [No.]
5-1. To get married means to make a small society. [Ok.]
5-2. Getting married means making a small society. [Ok. I prefer the infinitive version.]