To Clarify vs Clarifying 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 clarify (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to clarify the instructions before starting the project.

Clarifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Clarifying the doubts is crucial for understanding the topic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To clarify (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To clarify is essential for effective communication.

  To clarify is essential for effective communication.

  • "*To clarify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for effective communication).
• 2. Object

  She asked him to clarify his statement.

  She asked him to clarify his statement.

  • "Him *to clarify* his statement" is the object of the verb "asked."
  • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to clarify* his statement).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a meeting to clarify the confusion.

  We need a meeting to clarify the confusion.

  • "*To clarify* the confusion" modifies the noun "meeting."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a meeting *to clarify* the confusion).

Clarifying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Clarifying the doubts requires patience and clarity.

  Clarifying the doubts requires patience and clarity.

  • "*Clarifying* the doubts" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and clarity).
• 2. Object

  He enjoys clarifying complex concepts to others.

  He enjoys clarifying complex concepts to others.

  • "*Clarifying* complex concepts to others" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*clarifying* complex concepts to others).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for clarifying difficult topics.

  She has a talent for clarifying difficult topics.

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

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 clarify the details during the meeting.

They hope to clarify the misunderstanding as soon as possible.

She wants to clarify the requirements before starting the project.

We decided to clarify the situation before making a decision.

They agreed to clarify the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• postpone
• understand

Example

They recommend clarifying any doubts before the exam.

I am considering clarifying the situation with a clear explanation.

He avoids clarifying sensitive issues in public.

She postponed clarifying the matter until further notice.

Can you help me in clarifying this concept?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They would like to clarify the rules and regulations. They would like clarifying the rules and regulations.

We started to clarify the objectives of the project. We started clarifying the objectives of the project.

He began to clarify his position on the matter. He began clarifying his position on the matter.