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To Abhor vs Abhorring 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 abhor (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to abhor any form of discrimination.

Abhorring (Gerund)

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

Example

Abhorring violence is essential for maintaining peace.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To abhor (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To abhor is a strong emotion.

    To abhor is a strong emotion.

    • "*To abhor*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a strong emotion).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to abhor injustice.

    She wants me to abhor injustice.

    • "Me *to abhor* injustice" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to abhor* injustice).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reason to abhor that behavior.

    I need a reason to abhor that behavior.

    • "*To abhor* that behavior" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to abhor* that behavior).

Abhorring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Abhorring violence is a noble sentiment.

    Abhorring violence is a noble sentiment.

    • "*Abhorring* violence" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a noble sentiment).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy abhorring injustice and inequality.

    I enjoy abhorring injustice and inequality.

    • "*Abhorring* injustice and inequality" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*abhorring* injustice and inequality).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a strong aversion to abhorring cruelty.

    She has a strong aversion to abhorring cruelty.

    • "To *abhorring* cruelty" is the object of the preposition "to."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a strong aversion to *abhorring* cruelty).

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

She plans to abhor any kind of violence.

They hope to abhor cruelty and injustice.

He wants to abhor prejudice and discrimination.

We decided to abhor hatred and intolerance.

They agreed to abhor any form of oppression.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys abhorring discrimination and prejudice.

They recommend actively abhorring violence.

I dislike the idea of abhorring dishonesty.

He avoids abhorring conflict and confrontation.

Can you imagine yourself abhorring injustice and oppression?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to abhor cruelty and mistreatment. She likes abhorring unfairness and inequality.

We started to abhor violence and hatred. We started abhorring injustice and discrimination.

He began to abhor injustice and corruption. He began abhorring dishonesty and deceit.

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