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To Acuminate vs Acuminating 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 acuminate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to acuminate my skills in acuminating.

Acuminating (Gerund)

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

Example

Acuminating requires patience and precision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To acuminate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To acuminate is a valuable skill for any professional.

    To acuminate is a valuable skill for any professional.

    • "*To acuminate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill for any professional).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to acuminate her collection of knives.

    She wants me to acuminate her collection of knives.

    • "Me *to acuminate* her collection of knives" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to acuminate* her collection of knives).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a sharpening stone to acuminate my tools.

    I need a sharpening stone to acuminate my tools.

    • "*To acuminate* my tools" modifies the noun "sharpening stone."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sharpening stone *to acuminate* my tools).

Acuminating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Acuminating is a specialized skill that not everyone possesses.

    Acuminating is a specialized skill that not everyone possesses.

    • "*Acuminating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a specialized skill that not everyone possesses).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy acuminating various tools and instruments.

    I enjoy acuminating various tools and instruments.

    • "*Acuminating* various tools and instruments" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*acuminating* various tools and instruments).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for acuminating rare gemstones.

    She has a passion for acuminating rare gemstones.

    • "For *acuminating* rare gemstones" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *acuminating* rare gemstones).

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

He plans to acuminate his knowledge in acuminating techniques.

They hope to acuminate their expertise in the field.

She wants to acuminate her skills to become a master acuminator.

We decided to acuminate our understanding of acuminating processes.

They agreed to acuminate their abilities through practice.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys acuminating old swords as a hobby.

They recommend regular acuminating for maintaining sharp edges.

I avoid acuminating delicate materials to prevent damage.

Can you imagine yourself acuminating precious gems?

We are considering acuminating our woodworking tools.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to acuminate sharp objects. She likes acuminating intricate designs.

They started to acuminate their blades. They started acuminating metal surfaces.

He began to acuminate his skills in acuminating. He began acuminating wooden handles.

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