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To Augur vs Auguring 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 augur (Infinitive)

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

Example

I hope to augur good things for the future.

Auguring (Gerund)

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

Example

Auguring the future can be a challenging task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To augur (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To augur success is a positive mindset.

    To augur success is a positive mindset.

    • "*To augur* success" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a positive mindset).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to augur the outcome of the project.

    She wants me to augur the outcome of the project.

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

    I need a crystal ball to augur future events.

    I need a crystal ball to augur future events.

    • "*To augur* future events" modifies the noun "crystal ball."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a crystal ball *to augur* future events).

Auguring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Auguring the outcome requires careful analysis.

    Auguring the outcome requires careful analysis.

    • "*Auguring* the outcome" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful analysis).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy auguring the success of new ventures.

    I enjoy auguring the success of new ventures.

    • "*Auguring* the success of new ventures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*auguring* the success of new ventures).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for auguring future trends.

    She has a talent for auguring future trends.

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

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

She plans to augur the success of her new business venture.

They hope to augur positive changes in their personal lives.

He wants to augur a prosperous year ahead.

We decided to augur the outcome of the election.

They agreed to augur a bright future for their company.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys auguring the outcomes of sports events.

They recommend auguring market trends for successful investments.

I dislike the practice of auguring the weather.

He avoids auguring negative outcomes.

Can you imagine yourself auguring the future?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to augur the potential of new technologies. She likes auguring the potential of new technologies.

We started to augur the success of our business venture. We started auguring the success of our business venture.

He began to augur the outcome of the project. He began auguring the outcome of the project.

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