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To Assure vs Assuring Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To assure (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to assure you that everything will be fine.

Assuring (Gerund)

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

Example

Assuring them of our support is essential.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To assure (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To assure is his main responsibility in this job.

    To assure is his main responsibility in this job.

    • "*To assure*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his main responsibility in this job).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to assure her of my loyalty.

    She wants me to assure her of my loyalty.

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

    I need a guarantee to assure their satisfaction.

    I need a guarantee to assure their satisfaction.

    • "*To assure* their satisfaction" modifies the noun "guarantee."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guarantee *to assure* their satisfaction).

Assuring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Assuring their satisfaction is our top priority.

    Assuring their satisfaction is our top priority.

    • "*Assuring*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our top priority).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy assuring people of their worth.

    I enjoy assuring people of their worth.

    • "*Assuring* people of their worth" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*assuring* people of their worth).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for assuring success.

    She has a talent for assuring success.

    • "For *assuring* success" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *assuring* success).

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

Example

He promised to assure us of his support.

They plan to assure a smooth transition.

She refused to assure them of her availability.

We attempted to assure them of our commitment.

They chose to assure the customers of their quality.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys assuring others of their potential.

They recommend assuring prompt delivery to customers.

I don't mind assuring you of our dedication.

She avoids assuring unrealistic expectations.

Can you understand the importance of assuring customer satisfaction?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

We like to assure our clients of our reliability. We like assuring our clients of our reliability.

They started to assure customers of their safety measures. They started assuring customers of their safety measures.

She began to assure everyone of her availability. She began assuring everyone of her availability.

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