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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 a common value in our society.

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 such behavior.

    I need a reason to abhor such behavior.

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

Abhorring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Abhorring cruelty is important for a compassionate society.

    Abhorring cruelty is important for a compassionate society.

    • "*Abhorring* cruelty" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for a compassionate society).
  • 2Object

    I can't stand abhorring injustice.

    I can't stand abhorring injustice.

    • "*Abhorring* injustice" is the object of the verb "can't stand."
    • Noun (I) + verb (can't stand) + gerund (*abhorring* injustice).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a deep passion for abhorring inequality.

    She has a deep passion for abhorring inequality.

    • "For *abhorring* inequality" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a deep passion for *abhorring* inequality).

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 abhor any kind of violence.

He refused to abhor the truth.

They wish to abhor cruelty and injustice.

She struggles to abhor prejudice and discrimination.

We determined to abhor hatred and bigotry.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids abhorring any form of violence.

They recommend actively abhorring discrimination.

I am considering abhorring hate speech.

Let's postpone abhorring the decision until tomorrow.

She resists abhorring unfair treatment.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to abhor cruelty. He likes abhorring injustice.

They began to abhor violence. They began abhorring hatred.

We continue to abhor discrimination. We continue abhorring prejudice.

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