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To Disappear vs Disappearing 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 disappear (Infinitive)

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

Example

The magician made the rabbit disappear.

Disappearing (Gerund)

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

Example

Disappearing acts are popular in magic shows.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To disappear (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To disappear is a common magic trick.

    To disappear is a common magic trick.

    • "*To disappear*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common magic trick).
  • 2Object

    He wants the evidence to disappear.

    He wants the evidence to disappear.

    • "The evidence *to disappear*" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (the evidence *to disappear*).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a solution to disappear the problem.

    We need a solution to disappear the problem.

    • "*To disappear* the problem" modifies the noun "solution."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to disappear* the problem).

Disappearing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Disappearing is a fascinating illusion.

    Disappearing is a fascinating illusion.

    • "*Disappearing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fascinating illusion).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy disappearing into the crowd.

    I enjoy disappearing into the crowd.

    • "*Disappearing* into the crowd" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*disappearing* into the crowd).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of disappearing.

    She has a fear of disappearing.

    • "Of *disappearing*" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *disappearing*).

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 disappear for a while and take a break.

They hope to disappear from the public eye after their retirement.

He wants to disappear without leaving a trace.

We decided to disappear from social media for a month.

They agreed to disappear together and start a new life.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys disappearing from one place and reappearing in another.

They recommend practicing disappearing techniques for a flawless performance.

I dislike the idea of disappearing without a trace.

He avoids disappearing in front of large audiences.

Can you imagine yourself disappearing in thin air?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to disappear from the spotlight. She likes disappearing from the spotlight.

We started to disappear into the night. We started disappearing into the night.

He began to disappear from social gatherings. He began disappearing from social gatherings.

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