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To Comply vs Complying 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 comply (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to comply with the rules and regulations.

Complying (Gerund)

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

Example

Complying with the regulations is mandatory.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To comply (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To comply is necessary for the success of the project.

    To comply is necessary for the success of the project.

    • "*To comply*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary for the success of the project).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to comply with her request.

    She wants me to comply with her request.

    • "Me *to comply* with her request" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to comply* with her request).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    They have a strict policy to comply with.

    They have a strict policy to comply with.

    • "*To comply* with" modifies the noun "policy."
    • Noun (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a strict policy *to comply* with).

Complying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Complying with the guidelines is essential for success.

    Complying with the guidelines is essential for success.

    • "*Complying* with the guidelines" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy complying with the rules and regulations.

    I enjoy complying with the rules and regulations.

    • "*Complying* with the rules and regulations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*complying* with the rules and regulations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They received a reward for complying with the safety protocols.

    They received a reward for complying with the safety protocols.

    • "For *complying* with the safety protocols" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (received) + noun phrase (a reward for *complying* with the safety protocols).

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

We plan to comply with all the safety regulations.

He hopes to comply with the company's code of conduct.

She wants to comply with the instructions given by her boss.

They decided to comply with the new policies.

We agreed to comply with the terms and conditions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys complying with the company policies.

They recommend regular complying with the industry standards.

He avoids complying with unethical practices.

It is worth considering complying with the environmental regulations.

Can you imagine not complying with the legal requirements?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to comply with the new guidelines. I would like complying with the new guidelines.

They started to comply with the safety protocols. They started complying with the safety protocols.

She began to comply with the company policies. She began complying with the company policies.

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