To Discard vs Discarding 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 discard (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to discard these old clothes and make space for new ones.

Discarding (Gerund)

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

Example

Discarding old belongings can be a cathartic experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To discard (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To discard is a necessary step in decluttering your home.

  To discard is a necessary step in decluttering your home.

  • "*To discard*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in decluttering your home).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to discard all the expired food.

  She wants me to discard all the expired food.

  • "Me *to discard* all the expired food" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to discard* all the expired food).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a bigger trash bag to discard all these papers.

  I need a bigger trash bag to discard all these papers.

  • "*To discard* all these papers" modifies the noun "trash bag."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bigger trash bag *to discard* all these papers).

Discarding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Discarding unnecessary items creates a sense of clarity and organization.

  Discarding unnecessary items creates a sense of clarity and organization.

  • "*Discarding* unnecessary items" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (creates) + noun phrase (a sense of clarity and organization).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy discarding things that no longer serve a purpose.

  I enjoy discarding things that no longer serve a purpose.

  • "*Discarding* things that no longer serve a purpose" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*discarding* things that no longer serve a purpose).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of discarding items without thinking twice.

  She has a habit of discarding items without thinking twice.

  • "Of *discarding* items without thinking twice" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *discarding* items without thinking twice).

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
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to discard the old furniture this weekend.

They hope to discard all the unnecessary items before moving.

He wants to discard his old collection of magazines.

We decided to discard the broken appliances.

They agreed to discard the outdated files together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys discarding old books to make room for new ones.

They recommend regularly discarding unused or expired products.

I dislike the idea of discarding sentimental items.

He avoids discarding items that can be repurposed or recycled.

Can you imagine yourself discarding all your possessions and living minimally?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to discard unnecessary clutter from her workspace. She likes discarding unnecessary clutter from her workspace.

We started to discard old documents and files. We started discarding old documents and files.

He began to discard items that no longer brought him joy. He began discarding items that no longer brought him joy.