When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To avoid (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to avoid" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to avoid conflict in my relationships.
Avoiding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "avoiding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Avoiding conflict is essential for maintaining peace.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To avoid (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To avoid is the best strategy in this situation.
To avoid is the best strategy in this situation.
- "*To avoid*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best strategy).
- 2Object
She wants me to avoid making mistakes.
She wants me to avoid making mistakes.
- "Me *to avoid* making mistakes" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to avoid* making mistakes).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a plan to avoid getting lost.
I need a plan to avoid getting lost.
- "*To avoid* getting lost" modifies the noun "plan."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to avoid* getting lost).
Avoiding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Avoiding confrontation is always a good idea.
Avoiding confrontation is always a good idea.
- "*Avoiding* confrontation" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always a good idea).
- 2Object
I enjoy avoiding stressful situations.
I enjoy avoiding stressful situations.
- "*Avoiding* stressful situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*avoiding* stressful situations).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for avoiding conflicts.
She has a talent for avoiding conflicts.
- "For *avoiding* conflicts" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *avoiding* conflicts).
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 avoid conflicts in her relationships.
They hope to avoid any misunderstandings during the meeting.
He wants to avoid making the same mistakes again.
We decided to avoid confrontations with our neighbors.
They agreed to avoid unnecessary risks.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys avoiding unnecessary drama in her life.
They recommend avoiding negative people for better mental health.
I dislike the idea of avoiding responsibilities.
Can you imagine yourself avoiding all conflicts in your life?
I don't mind avoiding crowded places.
