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To Deduce vs Deducing 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 deduce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to deduce the answer based on the evidence.

Deducing (Gerund)

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

Example

Deducing the answer requires careful analysis.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To deduce (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To deduce is a critical thinking skill.

    To deduce is a critical thinking skill.

    • "*To deduce*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a critical thinking skill).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to deduce the solution to the problem.

    She wants me to deduce the solution to the problem.

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

    I need a clue to deduce the truth.

    I need a clue to deduce the truth.

    • "*To deduce* the truth" modifies the noun "clue."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clue *to deduce* the truth).

Deducing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Deducing the truth can be challenging.

    Deducing the truth can be challenging.

    • "*Deducing* the truth" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (challenging).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy deducing the correct solution.

    I enjoy deducing the correct solution.

    • "*Deducing* the correct solution" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*deducing* the correct solution).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for deducing hidden meanings.

    She has a talent for deducing hidden meanings.

    • "For *deducing* hidden meanings" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *deducing* hidden meanings).

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 deduce the outcome of the experiment.

They hope to deduce the meaning of the ancient text.

He wants to deduce the logic behind the puzzle.

We decided to deduce the next course of action.

They agreed to deduce the conclusion together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys deducing patterns in data analysis.

They recommend regular deducing for improving problem-solving skills.

I dislike the process of deducing conclusions from incomplete information.

He avoids deducing assumptions without sufficient evidence.

Can you imagine yourself deducing the solution to a complex puzzle?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to deduce the meaning behind mysterious events. She likes deducing the meaning behind mysterious events.

We started to deduce the hidden message in the text. We started deducing the hidden message in the text.

He began to deduce the relationship between the variables. He began deducing the relationship between the variables.

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