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 from unnecessary belongings.
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 from emotional baggage can lead to personal growth.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To disencumber (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To disencumber is a necessary step towards achieving your goals.
To disencumber is a necessary step towards achieving your goals.
- "*To disencumber*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step towards achieving your goals).
- 2Object
She wants me to disencumber her from the burden.
She wants me to disencumber her from the burden.
- "Me *to disencumber* her from the burden" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to disencumber* her from the burden).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a spacious closet to disencumber my living space.
I need a spacious closet to disencumber my living space.
- "*To disencumber* my living space" modifies the noun "closet."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spacious closet *to disencumber* my living space).
Disencumbering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Disencumbering yourself from toxic relationships is essential for your well-being.
Disencumbering yourself from toxic relationships is essential for your well-being.
- "*Disencumbering* yourself" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for your well-being).
- 2Object
I enjoy disencumbering my living space from unnecessary clutter.
I enjoy disencumbering my living space from unnecessary clutter.
- "*Disencumbering* my living space" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*disencumbering* my living space).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for disencumbering herself from limiting beliefs.
She has a passion for disencumbering herself from limiting beliefs.
- "For *disencumbering* herself" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *disencumbering* herself from limiting beliefs).
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 her schedule to make time for self-care.
They hope to disencumber themselves from financial debt by the end of the year.
He wants to disencumber his mind from negative thoughts.
We decided to disencumber our home by decluttering and organizing.
They agreed to disencumber the project of unnecessary complexities.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys disencumbering her mind through meditation and mindfulness practices.
They recommend regular disencumbering of physical spaces for a peaceful environment.
I dislike the feeling of being overwhelmed and try disencumbering myself from unnecessary responsibilities.
He avoids disencumbering his workload by delegating tasks to others.
Can you imagine the sense of freedom that comes from disencumbering yourself from material possessions?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to disencumber her mind through journaling. She likes disencumbering her mind through journaling.
We started to disencumber our lives from unnecessary commitments. We started disencumbering our lives from unnecessary commitments.
He began to disencumber himself from negative influences. He began disencumbering himself from negative influences.
