When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To admit (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to admit" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I refuse to admit that I made a mistake.
Admitting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "admitting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Admitting your mistakes shows humility.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To admit (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To admit is the first step towards personal growth.
To admit is the first step towards personal growth.
- "*To admit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step towards personal growth).
- 2Object
She wants me to admit my guilt.
She wants me to admit my guilt.
- "Me *to admit* my guilt" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to admit* my guilt).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a reason to admit his mistake.
He needs a reason to admit his mistake.
- "*To admit* his mistake" modifies the noun "reason."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reason *to admit* his mistake).
Admitting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Admitting your faults is a sign of maturity.
Admitting your faults is a sign of maturity.
- "*Admitting* your faults" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of maturity).
- 2Object
They appreciate admitting their wrongdoing.
They appreciate admitting their wrongdoing.
- "*Admitting* their wrongdoing" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
- Noun (They) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (*admitting* their wrongdoing).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a fear of admitting failure.
He has a fear of admitting failure.
- "Of *admitting* failure" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *admitting* failure).
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 admit their faults during the meeting.
I hope to admit my weaknesses and learn from them.
We want to admit our mistakes and make amends.
He decided to admit his involvement in the incident.
She agreed to admit her role in the project failure.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys admitting her mistakes and learning from them.
Experts recommend admitting your flaws for personal growth.
They are considering admitting their errors publicly.
He avoids admitting his weaknesses to maintain a strong image.
Can you understand the importance of admitting your faults?
