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 some details before making a decision.

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 situation will help us find a solution.

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 (essential) + prepositional phrase (for effective communication).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to clarify the instructions.

  She wants me to clarify the instructions.

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

  We need a meeting to clarify the project timeline.

  We need a meeting to clarify the project timeline.

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

Clarifying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Clarifying the details is important for accurate understanding.

  Clarifying the details is important for accurate understanding.

  • "*Clarifying* the details" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for accurate understanding).
• 2. Object

  She enjoys clarifying complex concepts to her students.

  She enjoys clarifying complex concepts to her students.

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

  I have a talent for clarifying difficult topics.

  I have a talent for clarifying difficult topics.

  • "For *clarifying* difficult topics" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (I) + verb (have) + 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

• agree
• demand
• refuse
• wish
• pretend

Example

They agreed to clarify the terms of the contract.

He demanded to clarify the rules before starting the game.

She refused to clarify her statement during the interview.

We wish to clarify the misunderstanding as soon as possible.

He pretended to clarify his intentions, but we knew he was lying.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine
• understand

Example

They recommend clarifying the instructions before starting the task.

He avoids clarifying his mistakes in front of others.

I am considering clarifying my position on the matter.

Can you imagine clarifying the concept to a large audience?

We understand the importance of clarifying expectations from the beginning.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She would like to clarify the situation before making a decision. She would like clarifying the situation before making a decision.

We started to clarify the misunderstanding between the two parties. We started clarifying the misunderstanding between the two parties.

He began to clarify the requirements for the project. He began clarifying the requirements for the project.