To Apologize vs Apologizing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To apologize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to apologize for my mistake.

Apologizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Apologizing shows that you take responsibility for your actions.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To apologize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To apologize is the right thing to do in this situation.

  To apologize is the right thing to do in this situation.

  • "*To apologize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the right thing to do in this situation).
• 2. Object

  She wants him to apologize to her.

  She wants him to apologize to her.

  • "Him *to apologize* to her" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to apologize* to her).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a sincere apology to apologize for his behavior.

  He needs a sincere apology to apologize for his behavior.

  • "A sincere apology *to apologize* for his behavior" modifies the noun "apology."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a sincere apology *to apologize* for his behavior).

Apologizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Apologizing is a sign of maturity.

  Apologizing is a sign of maturity.

  • "*Apologizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of maturity).
• 2. Object

  She appreciates him apologizing to her.

  She appreciates him apologizing to her.

  • "Him *apologizing* to her" is the object of the verb "appreciates."
  • Noun (She) + verb (appreciates) + gerund (him *apologizing* to her).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  I have no problem with apologizing for my mistake.

  I have no problem with apologizing for my mistake.

  • "With *apologizing* for my mistake" is the object of the preposition "with."
  • Noun phrase (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (no problem with *apologizing* for my mistake).

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

• promise
• refuse
• choose
• decide
• learn

Example

She promised to apologize for her mistake.

He refused to apologize for his actions.

They chose to apologize to their customers.

We decided to apologize for the inconvenience caused.

I learned to apologize when I make a mistake.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• mind
• consider
• deny

Example

She avoids apologizing even when she's wrong.

They recommend apologizing sincerely and promptly.

Do you mind apologizing for your behavior?

He is considering apologizing for his mistake.

She denies apologizing to anyone for her actions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to apologize for my behavior. I would like apologizing for my behavior.

He started to apologize but it was too late. He started apologizing but it was too late.

We should begin to apologize to the affected parties. We should begin apologizing to the affected parties.