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To Confuse vs Confusing 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 confuse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to confuse the audience with my magic tricks.

Confusing (Gerund)

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

Example

Confusing people is not a good way to communicate.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To confuse (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To confuse is not my intention.

    To confuse is not my intention.

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

    She wants me to confuse the judges.

    She wants me to confuse the judges.

    • "Me *to confuse* the judges" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to confuse* the judges).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a complex puzzle to confuse his opponents.

    He needs a complex puzzle to confuse his opponents.

    • "*To confuse* his opponents" modifies the noun "puzzle."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a complex puzzle *to confuse* his opponents).

Confusing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Confusing others will not help your cause.

    Confusing others will not help your cause.

    • "*Confusing* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (will) + noun phrase (not help your cause).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy confusing my friends with riddles.

    I enjoy confusing my friends with riddles.

    • "*Confusing* my friends with riddles" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*confusing* my friends with riddles).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for confusing people.

    He has a talent for confusing people.

    • "For *confusing* people" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *confusing* people).

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

They decided to confuse the enemy with their tactics.

He attempted to confuse the audience with his magic show.

She pretended to confuse her friends with a trick.

We chose to confuse our opponents with unexpected moves.

I wish to confuse my competitors with my strategy.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids confusing her audience with complicated explanations.

They consider confusing the opponent's defense strategy.

I recommend confusing your opponents with unexpected moves.

Can you imagine confusing everyone with your intelligence?

He doesn't mind confusing others with his complex theories.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to confuse people with her puzzles. She likes confusing people with her puzzles.

They started to confuse their opponents with clever strategies. They started confusing their opponents with clever strategies.

He began to confuse the audience with his magic tricks. He began confusing the audience with his magic tricks.

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