When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To brook (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to brook" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I refuse to brook any disrespect.
Brooking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "brooking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Brooking no dissent, he made his decision.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To brook (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To brook his behavior would be unacceptable.
To brook his behavior would be unacceptable.
- "*To brook* his behavior" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (would be) + adjective (unacceptable).
- 2Object
She wants me to brook his rudeness.
She wants me to brook his rudeness.
- "Me *to brook* his rudeness" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to brook* his rudeness).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a leader to brook no nonsense.
We need a leader to brook no nonsense.
- "*To brook* no nonsense" modifies the noun "leader."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a leader *to brook* no nonsense).
Brooking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Brooking no arguments, she took charge.
Brooking no arguments, she took charge.
- "*Brooking* no arguments" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (took) + noun phrase (charge).
- 2Object
I can't stand brooking their constant complaints.
I can't stand brooking their constant complaints.
- "*Brooking* their constant complaints" is the object of the verb "can't stand."
- Noun (I) + verb (can't stand) + gerund (*brooking* their constant complaints).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have a talent for brooking difficult situations.
They have a talent for brooking difficult situations.
- "For *brooking* difficult situations" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *brooking* difficult situations).
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 refuses to brook any compromise.
They demand to brook no interference.
She chose to brook no excuses.
He pretends to brook no opposition.
We determined to brook no delays.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids brooking conflicts at all costs.
She considered brooking their demands, but decided against it.
They recommend brooking no nonsense in the workplace.
I don't mind brooking challenges along the way.
Can you imagine brooking such disrespect?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
He refuses to brook any compromise. He refuses brooking any compromise.
They demand to brook no interference. They demand brooking no interference.
She chose to brook no excuses. She chose brooking no excuses.
He pretends to brook no opposition. He pretends brooking no opposition.
We determined to brook no delays. We determined brooking no delays.
