To Adhere vs Adhering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To adhere (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to adhere to the rules of the organization.

Adhering (Gerund)

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

Example

Adhering to a healthy diet can improve your overall well-being.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To adhere (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To adhere to a strict code of conduct is important in this profession.

  To adhere to a strict code of conduct is important in this profession.

  • "*To adhere* to a strict code of conduct" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in this profession).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to adhere to the schedule.

  She wants me to adhere to the schedule.

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

  I need a strong adhesive to adhere the pieces together.

  I need a strong adhesive to adhere the pieces together.

  • "*To adhere* the pieces together" modifies the noun "adhesive."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong adhesive *to adhere* the pieces together).

Adhering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Adhering to safety protocols is crucial in the workplace.

  Adhering to safety protocols is crucial in the workplace.

  • "*Adhering* to safety protocols" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (crucial in the workplace).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy adhering to my daily routine.

  I enjoy adhering to my daily routine.

  • "*Adhering* to my daily routine" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*adhering* to my daily routine).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for adhering to ethical standards.

  She has a passion for adhering to ethical standards.

  • "For *adhering* to ethical standards" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *adhering* to ethical standards).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to adhere to the guidelines strictly.

They hope to adhere to the principles of fairness.

He wants to adhere to the recommended dosage.

We decided to adhere to the company policies.

They agreed to adhere to the terms and conditions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys adhering to her skincare routine.

They recommend regular adhering to the guidelines for better results.

I dislike the idea of adhering to strict regulations.

He avoids adhering to unhealthy habits.

Can you imagine yourself adhering to a strict workout routine?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to adhere to the traditions of her culture. She likes adhering to the traditions of her culture.

We started to adhere to a new set of guidelines. We started adhering to a new set of guidelines.

He began to adhere to a healthier lifestyle. He began adhering to a healthier lifestyle.