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 are accountable 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 me to apologize to her.

  She wants me to apologize to her.

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

  I need a sincere reason to apologize.

  I need a sincere reason to apologize.

  • "*To apologize*" modifies the noun "reason."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sincere reason *to apologize*).

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

  I appreciate her for apologizing to me.

  I appreciate her for apologizing to me.

  • "Her for *apologizing* to me" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
  • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (her for *apologizing* to me).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has no problem with apologizing.

  He has no problem with apologizing.

  • "With *apologizing*" is the object of the preposition "with."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (no problem with *apologizing*).

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

• regret
• refuse
• attempt
• promise
• choose

Example

He regrets to apologize for his behavior.

They refuse to apologize for their actions.

We attempted to apologize for the inconvenience caused.

She promised to apologize for the mistake.

He chose to apologize for his mistake.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• mind
• consider
• recommend
• postpone

Example

She avoids apologizing for her mistakes.

I don't mind apologizing if I am wrong.

They are considering apologizing for the misunderstanding.

I recommend apologizing as soon as possible.

He postponed apologizing until the next day.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to apologize when she makes a mistake. She likes apologizing when she makes a mistake.

We started to apologize for our behavior. We started apologizing for our behavior.

He began to apologize sincerely. He began apologizing sincerely.