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To Agree vs Agreeing 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 agree (Infinitive)

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

Example

I agree to help with the project.

Agreeing (Gerund)

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

Example

Agreeing with each other is crucial for teamwork.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To agree (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To agree is important for effective communication.

    To agree is important for effective communication.

    • "*To agree*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for effective communication).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to agree with her decision.

    She wants me to agree with her decision.

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

    We need a solution to agree on.

    We need a solution to agree on.

    • "*To agree* on" modifies the noun "solution."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to agree* on).

Agreeing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Agreeing is essential for a harmonious relationship.

    Agreeing is essential for a harmonious relationship.

    • "*Agreeing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a harmonious relationship).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy agreeing with different perspectives.

    I enjoy agreeing with different perspectives.

    • "*Agreeing* with different perspectives" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*agreeing* with different perspectives).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for agreeing with others.

    She has a talent for agreeing with others.

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

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 agree on the terms of the contract.

I hope to agree on a compromise.

He wants to agree on a meeting time.

We decided to agree on a course of action.

She offered to agree to the terms of the agreement.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy agreeing on creative solutions.

I recommend agreeing to the terms and conditions.

He avoids agreeing with unreasonable demands.

Can you imagine yourself agreeing to such a proposal?

She likes agreeing with her colleagues.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to agree on important decisions. They like agreeing on important decisions.

We started to agree on the project timeline. We started agreeing on the project timeline.

He began to agree with their viewpoint. He began agreeing with their viewpoint.

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