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To Advocate vs Advocating 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 advocate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to advocate for equal rights for all.

Advocating (Gerund)

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

Example

Advocating for the homeless is a noble cause.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To advocate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To advocate is an important role in promoting change.

    To advocate is an important role in promoting change.

    • "*To advocate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important role in promoting change).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to advocate for her cause.

    She wants me to advocate for her cause.

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

    I need a platform to advocate for social justice.

    I need a platform to advocate for social justice.

    • "*To advocate* for social justice" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to advocate* for social justice).

Advocating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Advocating can bring about positive change in society.

    Advocating can bring about positive change in society.

    • "*Advocating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (positive change in society).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy advocating for the underprivileged.

    I enjoy advocating for the underprivileged.

    • "*Advocating* for the underprivileged" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*advocating* for the underprivileged).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for advocating for human rights.

    She has a passion for advocating for human rights.

    • "For *advocating*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *advocating* for human rights).

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

She plans to advocate for environmental conservation next year.

They hope to advocate for better education policies.

He wants to advocate for affordable healthcare.

We decided to advocate for animal rights.

They agreed to advocate for gender equality.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys advocating for environmental causes.

They recommend actively advocating for equality.

I dislike the idea of advocating for violence.

He avoids advocating for discriminatory policies.

Can you imagine yourself advocating for marginalized communities?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to advocate for animal rights. She likes advocating for animal rights.

We started to advocate for mental health awareness. We started advocating for mental health awareness.

He began to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He began advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

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