When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To disappoint (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to disappoint" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to disappoint my parents by failing the exam.
Disappointing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "disappointing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Disappointing others is not something I enjoy.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To disappoint (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To disappoint is the last thing I want to do.
To disappoint is the last thing I want to do.
- "*To disappoint*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the last thing I want to do).
- 2Object
She doesn't want me to disappoint her at the concert.
She doesn't want me to disappoint her at the concert.
- "Me *to disappoint* her at the concert" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
- Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to disappoint* her at the concert).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a reliable person to disappoint him.
He needs a reliable person to disappoint him.
- "*To disappoint* him" modifies the noun "person."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reliable person *to disappoint* him).
Disappointing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Disappointing people is never a pleasant experience.
Disappointing people is never a pleasant experience.
- "*Disappointing* people" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (never a pleasant experience).
- 2Object
I can't stand disappointing my friends.
I can't stand disappointing my friends.
- "*Disappointing* my friends" is the object of the verb "can't stand."
- Noun (I) + verb (can't stand) + gerund (*disappointing* my friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She expressed her regret for disappointing her family.
She expressed her regret for disappointing her family.
- "For *disappointing* her family" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (expressed) + noun phrase (her regret for *disappointing* her family).
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
I hope not to disappoint my team during the match.
They want to disappoint their parents' expectations.
We planned not to disappoint our boss with our performance.
She attempted not to disappoint her fans with her new album.
He refused to disappoint his supporters with his decision.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He tries to avoid disappointing his colleagues at work.
Do you mind me disappointing you with the news?
They recommend avoiding disappointing customers at all costs.
She is considering disappointing her fans by retiring from music.
Can you imagine disappointing your loved ones on their special day?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I don't like to disappoint others. I don't like disappointing others.
He started to disappoint his teachers with his behavior. He started disappointing his teachers with his behavior.
We began to disappoint our clients with late deliveries. We began disappointing our clients with late deliveries.
