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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 want 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 rules is necessary.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To comply (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To comply is essential for maintaining order.

    To comply is essential for maintaining order.

    • "*To comply*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for maintaining order).
  • 2Object

    She expects her employees to comply with company policies.

    She expects her employees to comply with company policies.

    • "Her employees *to comply* with company policies" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (her employees *to comply* with company policies).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    They need a system to comply with legal requirements.

    They need a system to comply with legal requirements.

    • "*To comply* with legal requirements" modifies the noun "system."
    • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a system *to comply* with legal requirements).

Complying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Complying with the rules requires attention to detail.

    Complying with the rules requires attention to detail.

    • "*Complying* with the rules" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail).
  • 2Object

    I appreciate her effort in complying with the regulations.

    I appreciate her effort in complying with the regulations.

    • "Her effort in *complying* with the regulations" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
    • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (her effort in *complying* with the regulations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They are committed to complying with industry standards.

    They are committed to complying with industry standards.

    • "*Complying* with industry standards" is the object of the preposition "to."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are committed to) + gerund (*complying* with industry standards).

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 agreed to comply with the new regulations.

She plans to comply with the safety guidelines.

They hope to comply with the deadline.

He wants to comply with the customer's request.

We decided to comply with the terms and conditions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend regularly complying with safety protocols.

She avoids unnecessary risks by complying with regulations.

They are considering complying with the new guidelines.

Do you mind complying with the dress code?

He resisted complying with the authority's orders.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to comply with the request. I would like complying with the request.

They started to comply with the regulations last month. They started complying with the regulations last month.

She began to comply with the policy changes. She began complying with the policy changes.

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