To Assume vs Assuming 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 assume (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to assume the role of team captain.

Assuming (Gerund)

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

Example

Assuming the role of team captain is a great opportunity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To assume (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To assume is a necessary step in the decision-making process.

  To assume is a necessary step in the decision-making process.

  • "*To assume*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in the decision-making process).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to assume the responsibility.

  She wants me to assume the responsibility.

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

  I need a leader to assume control of the situation.

  I need a leader to assume control of the situation.

  • "*To assume* control of the situation" modifies the noun "leader."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a leader *to assume* control of the situation).

Assuming (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Assuming is a key factor in making accurate predictions.

  Assuming is a key factor in making accurate predictions.

  • "*Assuming*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key factor in making accurate predictions).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy assuming different perspectives in my work.

  I enjoy assuming different perspectives in my work.

  • "*Assuming* different perspectives in my work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*assuming* different perspectives in my work).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a knack for assuming the best in people.

  He has a knack for assuming the best in people.

  • "For *assuming* the best in people" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *assuming* the best in people).

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

He plans to assume the position of CEO next year.

We hope to assume a leadership role in the project.

They want to assume more responsibility in their jobs.

She decided to assume the risk and start her own business.

They agreed to assume equal parts of the workload.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys assuming different roles in the theater production.

They recommend assuming a positive attitude in challenging situations.

I dislike the idea of assuming unnecessary risks.

He avoids assuming too much without proper information.

Can you imagine yourself assuming the role of a detective?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to assume new challenges. I like assuming new challenges.

They started to assume more responsibility at work. They started assuming more responsibility at work.

He began to assume a leadership role in the organization. He began assuming a leadership role in the organization.