To Deplete vs Depleting Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To deplete (Infinitive)

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

Example

We need to deplete our resources wisely to ensure sustainability.

Depleting (Gerund)

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

Example

Depleting the ozone layer is a major environmental concern.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To deplete (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To deplete the ozone layer would have catastrophic effects.

  To deplete the ozone layer would have catastrophic effects.

  • "*To deplete* the ozone layer" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (would have) + noun phrase (catastrophic effects).
• 2. Object

  They want us to deplete the stockpile.

  They want us to deplete the stockpile.

  • "Us *to deplete* the stockpile" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to deplete* the stockpile).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a strategy to deplete the enemy's forces.

  He needs a strategy to deplete the enemy's forces.

  • "*To deplete* the enemy's forces" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a strategy *to deplete* the enemy's forces).

Depleting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Depleting natural resources is unsustainable in the long run.

  Depleting natural resources is unsustainable in the long run.

  • "*Depleting* natural resources" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (unsustainable in the long run).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy depleting my opponent's energy in a game.

  I enjoy depleting my opponent's energy in a game.

  • "*Depleting* my opponent's energy" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*depleting* my opponent's energy).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for depleting the company's resources.

  She has a talent for depleting the company's resources.

  • "For *depleting* the company's resources" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *depleting* the company's resources).

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

• plan
• demand
• struggle
• refuse
• determine

Example

She plans to deplete the natural gas reserves by 2030.

They demand to deplete the rainforest for economic gain.

He struggles to deplete his opponent's stamina during the match.

We refuse to deplete the endangered species population.

The scientists are determined to deplete the pollutant levels in the river.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• resist
• understand

Example

He avoids depleting his energy before important events.

They consider depleting the fish population as a serious problem.

Experts recommend depleting the invasive species to protect the ecosystem.

I can't resist depleting the dessert tray at the buffet.

Do you understand the consequences of depleting the ozone layer?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to deplete the available resources. She likes depleting the available resources.

We started to deplete the oil reserves. We started depleting the oil reserves.

He began to deplete the stockpile slowly. He began depleting the stockpile slowly.