Help center

To Confound vs Confounding Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 confound (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to confound the issue with unnecessary details.

Confounding (Gerund)

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

Example

Confounding situations can be challenging to deal with.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To confound (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To confound is not my intention.

    To confound is not my intention.

    • "*To confound*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not my intention).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to confound the audience with my magic tricks.

    She wants me to confound the audience with my magic tricks.

    • "Me *to confound* the audience with my magic tricks" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to confound* the audience with my magic tricks).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a clear explanation to confound any doubts.

    I need a clear explanation to confound any doubts.

    • "*To confound* any doubts" modifies the noun "explanation."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clear explanation *to confound* any doubts).

Confounding (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Confounding others is not my intention.

    Confounding others is not my intention.

    • "*Confounding*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not my intention).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy confounding people with my riddles.

    I enjoy confounding people with my riddles.

    • "*Confounding* people with my riddles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*confounding* people with my riddles).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for confounding her opponents.

    She has a talent for confounding her opponents.

    • "For *confounding* her opponents" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *confounding* her opponents).

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 confound the enemy with her strategic moves.

They hope to confound their opponents in the upcoming game.

He wants to confound his critics with his performance.

We decided to confound our competitors with our innovative ideas.

They agreed to confound their enemies together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys confounding her colleagues with her intelligence.

They recommend avoiding confounding situations for peace of mind.

I dislike the idea of confounding others for personal gain.

He avoids confounding his team with complex instructions.

Can you imagine yourself confounding your competitors with your skills?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to confound her opponents with unexpected moves. She likes confounding her opponents with unexpected moves.

We started to confound our rivals with our marketing strategies. We started confounding our rivals with our marketing strategies.

He began to confound his critics with his achievements. He began confounding his critics with his achievements.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!