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To Accommodate vs Accommodating Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To accommodate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to accommodate all of your needs during your stay.

Accommodating (Gerund)

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

Example

Accommodating different schedules can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To accommodate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To accommodate guests is the hotel's top priority.

    To accommodate guests is the hotel's top priority.

    • "*To accommodate* guests" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the hotel's top priority).
  • 2Object

    They asked me to accommodate their dietary restrictions.

    They asked me to accommodate their dietary restrictions.

    • "Me *to accommodate* their dietary restrictions" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (They) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to accommodate* their dietary restrictions).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a bigger table to accommodate more people.

    We need a bigger table to accommodate more people.

    • "*To accommodate* more people" modifies the noun "table."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger table *to accommodate* more people).

Accommodating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Accommodating their needs is our main priority.

    Accommodating their needs is our main priority.

    • "*Accommodating* their needs" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our main priority).
  • 2Object

    I appreciate their efforts in accommodating my requests.

    I appreciate their efforts in accommodating my requests.

    • "Their efforts in *accommodating* my requests" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
    • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (their efforts in *accommodating* my requests).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for accommodating diverse opinions.

    She has a talent for accommodating diverse opinions.

    • "For *accommodating* diverse opinions" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *accommodating* diverse opinions).

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 accommodate all of her guests' requests.

They hope to accommodate everyone's preferences at the event.

He wants to accommodate all of his clients' needs.

We decided to accommodate additional guests at the party.

They agreed to accommodate the special requirements of the team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys accommodating her guests' preferences.

They recommend accommodating different learning styles in the classroom.

I avoid situations that require accommodating conflicting demands.

We are considering accommodating more participants in the workshop.

Can you imagine yourself accommodating various customer needs?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to accommodate special requests. She likes accommodating special requests.

We started to accommodate larger groups. We started accommodating larger groups.

He began to accommodate different time zones. He began accommodating different time zones.

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