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To Deny vs Denying 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 deny (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to deny my involvement in the project.

Denying (Gerund)

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

Example

Denying the truth won't change the facts.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To deny (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To deny is not an option in this situation.

    To deny is not an option in this situation.

    • "*To deny*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not an option in this situation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to deny any wrongdoing.

    She wants me to deny any wrongdoing.

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

    He needs a lawyer to deny the allegations.

    He needs a lawyer to deny the allegations.

    • "*To deny* the allegations" modifies the noun "lawyer."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a lawyer *to deny* the allegations).

Denying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Denying responsibility is not acceptable.

    Denying responsibility is not acceptable.

    • "*Denying* responsibility" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not acceptable).
  • 2Object

    I regret denying her the opportunity.

    I regret denying her the opportunity.

    • "*Denying* her the opportunity" is the object of the verb "regret."
    • Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*denying* her the opportunity).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a habit of denying his mistakes.

    He has a habit of denying his mistakes.

    • "Of *denying* his mistakes" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *denying* his mistakes).

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 deny the accusations during the trial.

They hope to deny any involvement in the scandal.

He wants to deny the allegations publicly.

We decided to deny the request for additional funding.

They agreed to deny access to sensitive information.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys denying rumors about herself.

They recommend denying access to unauthorized users.

I dislike the idea of denying someone their rights.

He avoids denying his responsibilities.

Can you imagine him denying the allegations?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to deny any involvement in the incident. She likes denying false accusations.

We started to deny the rumors. We started denying the allegations.

He began to deny his role in the scandal. He began denying the accusations.

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