To Coexist vs Coexisting 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 coexist (Infinitive)

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

Example

We must learn to coexist peacefully with one another.

Coexisting (Gerund)

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

Example

Coexisting with different cultures enriches our lives.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To coexist (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To coexist is essential for a harmonious society.

  To coexist is essential for a harmonious society.

  • "*To coexist*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a harmonious society).
• 2. Object

  They want us to coexist with different cultures.

  They want us to coexist with different cultures.

  • "Us *to coexist* with different cultures" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to coexist* with different cultures).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a peaceful environment to coexist with others.

  He needs a peaceful environment to coexist with others.

  • "*To coexist* with others" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a peaceful environment *to coexist* with others).

Coexisting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Coexisting requires understanding and acceptance.

  Coexisting requires understanding and acceptance.

  • "*Coexisting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (understanding and acceptance).
• 2. Object

  She enjoys coexisting with people from diverse backgrounds.

  She enjoys coexisting with people from diverse backgrounds.

  • "*Coexisting* with people from diverse backgrounds" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*coexisting* with people from diverse backgrounds).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They are open to the idea of coexisting peacefully.

  They are open to the idea of coexisting peacefully.

  • "The idea of *coexisting* peacefully" is the object of the preposition "to."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are) + preposition (to) + noun phrase (the idea of *coexisting* peacefully).

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

• hope
• plan
• refuse
• choose
• determine

Example

I hope to coexist in a world without conflict.

We plan to coexist peacefully in our neighborhood.

She refuses to coexist with people who spread hate.

They choose to coexist with different opinions and beliefs.

He determines to coexist with nature and protect the environment.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• understand

Example

He enjoys coexisting with different species in the wild.

We consider coexisting with nature as a fundamental principle.

Experts recommend coexisting with wildlife in their natural habitats.

She avoids conflicts by peacefully coexisting with others.

They understand the importance of coexisting with different cultures.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to coexist in a diverse community. I like coexisting in a diverse community.

He started to coexist peacefully with his neighbors. He started coexisting peacefully with his neighbors.

We began to coexist with different ideologies. We began coexisting with different ideologies.