To Assert vs Asserting 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 assert (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to assert my rights in this situation.

Asserting (Gerund)

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

Example

Asserting oneself is important for personal growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To assert (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To assert is important for self-confidence.

  To assert is important for self-confidence.

  • "*To assert*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for self-confidence).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to assert my opinion in the meeting.

  She wants me to assert my opinion in the meeting.

  • "Me *to assert* my opinion in the meeting" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to assert* my opinion in the meeting).
• 3. Adverb Modifier

  He worked hard to assert his authority.

  He worked hard to assert his authority.

  • "Hard *to assert* his authority" modifies the verb "worked."
  • Noun (He) + verb (worked) + adverb phrase (hard *to assert* his authority).

Asserting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Asserting oneself requires confidence.

  Asserting oneself requires confidence.

  • "*Asserting* oneself" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (confidence).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy asserting my opinions in discussions.

  I enjoy asserting my opinions in discussions.

  • "*Asserting* my opinions in discussions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*asserting* my opinions in discussions).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have a talent for asserting their authority.

  They have a talent for asserting their authority.

  • "For *asserting* their authority" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *asserting* their authority).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to assert their dominance in the market.

I hope to assert my independence soon.

She wants to assert her rights at work.

He decided to assert himself in the negotiations.

We agreed to assert our position during the debate.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys asserting herself in challenging situations.

Experts recommend asserting your needs and boundaries.

He avoids asserting his opinions in confrontations.

It is worth considering asserting your rights in this case.

Can you imagine yourself asserting your authority in a leadership role?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to assert my opinions in debates. I like asserting my opinions in debates.

We started to assert our influence in the organization. We started asserting our influence in the organization.

He began to assert his rights in the legal battle. He began asserting his rights in the legal battle.