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To Abolish vs Abolishing 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 abolish (Infinitive)

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

Example

The government wants to abolish the outdated law.

Abolishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Abolishing discrimination is essential for a just society.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To abolish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To abolish is our ultimate goal.

    To abolish is our ultimate goal.

    • "*To abolish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our ultimate goal).
  • 2Object

    They expect us to abolish the unfair policy.

    They expect us to abolish the unfair policy.

    • "Us *to abolish* the unfair policy" is the object of the verb "expect."
    • Noun (They) + verb (expect) + noun phrase (us *to abolish* the unfair policy).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a strong leader to abolish corruption.

    We need a strong leader to abolish corruption.

    • "*To abolish* corruption" modifies the noun "leader."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong leader *to abolish* corruption).

Abolishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Abolishing slavery was a significant milestone in history.

    Abolishing slavery was a significant milestone in history.

    • "*Abolishing* slavery" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (was) + noun phrase (a significant milestone in history).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys abolishing unfair rules and regulations.

    She enjoys abolishing unfair rules and regulations.

    • "*Abolishing* unfair rules and regulations" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*abolishing* unfair rules and regulations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    We discussed the benefits of abolishing child labor.

    We discussed the benefits of abolishing child labor.

    • "Of *abolishing* child labor" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (We) + verb (discussed) + noun phrase (the benefits of *abolishing* child labor).

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

They plan to abolish the outdated system next year.

The protesters demand the government to abolish the unjust law.

He refuses to abolish the tradition despite its negative impact.

She chose to abolish the old policies and implement new ones.

We are determined to abolish discrimination in all its forms.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They are considering abolishing the death penalty.

Experts recommend abolishing single-use plastics for environmental conservation.

We should avoid abolishing important traditions without proper consideration.

The government decided to delay abolishing the tax until next year.

Can you imagine a world without abolishing poverty?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to abolish unfair practices. I would like abolishing unfair practices.

They started to abolish discriminatory laws. They started abolishing discriminatory laws.

He began to abolish outdated policies. He began abolishing outdated policies.

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