To Argue vs Arguing 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 argue (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to argue my case in court.

Arguing (Gerund)

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

Example

Arguing only leads to more problems.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To argue (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To argue is not always the best way to resolve conflicts.

  To argue is not always the best way to resolve conflicts.

  • "*To argue*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always the best way to resolve conflicts).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to argue her point in the meeting.

  She wants me to argue her point in the meeting.

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

  I need a strong argument to argue my case.

  I need a strong argument to argue my case.

  • "A strong argument *to argue* my case" modifies the noun "need."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong argument *to argue* my case).

Arguing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Arguing can strain relationships.

  Arguing can strain relationships.

  • "*Arguing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (strain relationships).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy arguing about politics with my friends.

  I enjoy arguing about politics with my friends.

  • "*Arguing* about politics with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*arguing* about politics with my friends).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for arguing convincingly.

  He has a talent for arguing convincingly.

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

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

• decide
• pretend
• hope
• demand
• refuse

Example

We decided to argue our position during the debate.

He pretended to argue with his imaginary friend.

They hope to argue their side in the courtroom.

The protestors demand to argue their grievances with the government.

She refused to argue with him about trivial matters.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

She avoids arguing with her siblings to maintain peace.

They consider arguing their case in court.

I recommend arguing constructively instead of yelling.

Do you mind arguing in front of others?

Can you imagine yourself arguing with a celebrity?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to argue about controversial topics. He likes arguing about controversial topics.

We started to argue over the best solution. We started arguing over the best solution.

She began to argue her case passionately. She began arguing her case passionately.