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To Adjure vs Adjuring 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 adjure (Infinitive)

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

Example

I adjure you to tell the truth.

Adjuring (Gerund)

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

Example

Adjuring someone can be a powerful way to persuade.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To adjure (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To adjure someone is a serious request.

    To adjure someone is a serious request.

    • "*To adjure* someone" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a serious request).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to adjure the witness.

    She wants me to adjure the witness.

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

    I need a lawyer to adjure the witness.

    I need a lawyer to adjure the witness.

    • "*To adjure* the witness" modifies the noun "lawyer."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a lawyer *to adjure* the witness).

Adjuring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Adjuring people to act is an important skill.

    Adjuring people to act is an important skill.

    • "*Adjuring* people to act" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy adjuring others to follow their dreams.

    I enjoy adjuring others to follow their dreams.

    • "*Adjuring* others to follow their dreams" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*adjuring* others to follow their dreams).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for adjuring people.

    She has a talent for adjuring people.

    • "For *adjuring* people" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *adjuring* people).

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 demands to adjure the jury to reach a fair verdict.

They refused to adjure the witness to speak the truth.

She attempted to adjure the crowd to remain calm.

We pretended to adjure him to reveal his secret.

I chose to adjure him to be honest.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend adjuring individuals to take action.

I am considering adjuring him to reconsider his decision.

He avoids adjuring others to do something unethical.

Can you imagine yourself adjuring a large audience?

Let's discuss the benefits of adjuring people to be kind.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to adjure people to be honest. She likes adjuring people to be honest.

We started to adjure others to take action. We started adjuring others to take action.

He began to adjure the crowd to remain calm. He began adjuring the crowd to remain calm.

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