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To Disencumber vs Disencumbering 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 disencumber (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to disencumber myself of unnecessary baggage.

Disencumbering (Gerund)

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

Example

Disencumbering oneself of unnecessary things can lead to a more peaceful life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To disencumber (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To disencumber is a difficult task.

    To disencumber is a difficult task.

    • "*To disencumber*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult task).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to disencumber her of the heavy boxes.

    She wants me to disencumber her of the heavy boxes.

    • "Me *to disencumber* her of the heavy boxes" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to disencumber* her of the heavy boxes).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a strategy to disencumber myself from debt.

    I need a strategy to disencumber myself from debt.

    • "*To disencumber* myself from debt" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to disencumber* myself from debt).

Disencumbering (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Disencumbering oneself of unwanted items requires time and effort.

    Disencumbering oneself of unwanted items requires time and effort.

    • "*Disencumbering* oneself of unwanted items" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (time and effort).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy disencumbering my space of unnecessary clutter.

    I enjoy disencumbering my space of unnecessary clutter.

    • "*Disencumbering* my space of unnecessary clutter" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*disencumbering* my space of unnecessary clutter).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for disencumbering others of their burdens.

    She has a talent for disencumbering others of their burdens.

    • "For *disencumbering* others of their burdens" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *disencumbering* others of their burdens).

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 disencumber herself of unnecessary belongings.

They hope to disencumber their lives of stress and worry.

He wants to disencumber his mind of negative thoughts.

We decided to disencumber ourselves of old furniture.

They agreed to disencumber the office space of clutter.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys disencumbering her mind through meditation.

They recommend disencumbering your life of unnecessary obligations.

I dislike the process of disencumbering my schedule.

He avoids disencumbering his workspace of unnecessary documents.

Can you imagine yourself disencumbering your life of toxic relationships?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to disencumber her living space. She likes disencumbering her living space.

We started to disencumber our minds from negative thoughts. We started disencumbering our minds from negative thoughts.

He began to disencumber his life of unnecessary commitments. He began disencumbering his life of unnecessary commitments.

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