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To Anticipate vs Anticipating 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 anticipate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to anticipate any problems that may arise.

Anticipating (Gerund)

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

Example

Anticipating the outcome made her nervous.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To anticipate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To anticipate is a key skill in project management.

    To anticipate is a key skill in project management.

    • "*To anticipate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key skill in project management).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to anticipate her needs.

    She wants me to anticipate her needs.

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

    We need a plan to anticipate potential challenges.

    We need a plan to anticipate potential challenges.

    • "*To anticipate* potential challenges" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to anticipate* potential challenges).

Anticipating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Anticipating the results can be exciting.

    Anticipating the results can be exciting.

    • "*Anticipating* the results" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (exciting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy anticipating new challenges.

    I enjoy anticipating new challenges.

    • "*Anticipating* new challenges" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*anticipating* new challenges).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for anticipating trends.

    He has a talent for anticipating trends.

    • "For *anticipating* trends" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *anticipating* trends).

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 anticipate any obstacles in the project.

He hopes to anticipate changes in the market.

We want to anticipate the customers' needs.

She decided to anticipate the competitor's next move.

They agreed to anticipate potential risks.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys anticipating the future outcomes.

They recommend anticipating potential problems in advance.

I dislike the feeling of anticipating bad news.

He avoids anticipating negative outcomes.

Can you imagine yourself anticipating success?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to anticipate the challenges ahead. I like anticipating the challenges ahead.

We started to anticipate possible obstacles. We started anticipating possible obstacles.

He began to anticipate potential risks. He began anticipating potential risks.

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