When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To disengage (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to disengage" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I decided to disengage from the argument to avoid further conflict.
Disengaging (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "disengaging" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Disengaging from negative thoughts can lead to a happier life.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To disengage (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To disengage is the best course of action in this situation.
To disengage is the best course of action in this situation.
- "*To disengage*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the best course of action).
- 2Object
She wants me to disengage from the project.
She wants me to disengage from the project.
- "Me *to disengage* from the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to disengage* from the project).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a tool to disengage the gears.
We need a tool to disengage the gears.
- "*To disengage* the gears" modifies the noun "tool."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to disengage* the gears).
Disengaging (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Disengaging is important for maintaining emotional well-being.
Disengaging is important for maintaining emotional well-being.
- "*Disengaging*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for maintaining emotional well-being).
- 2Object
She enjoys disengaging from work by spending time in nature.
She enjoys disengaging from work by spending time in nature.
- "*Disengaging* from work" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*disengaging* from work).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has difficulty with disengaging from stressful situations.
He has difficulty with disengaging from stressful situations.
- "With *disengaging* from stressful situations" is the object of the preposition "with."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (difficulty with *disengaging* from stressful situations).
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
They plan to disengage from the negotiations if their demands are not met.
I hope to disengage from this toxic relationship soon.
He wants to disengage from the company and start his own business.
She decided to disengage from social media for a month.
We agreed to disengage from the conflict and find a peaceful solution.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy disengaging from technology during their vacations.
Experts recommend regularly disengaging from work to prevent burnout.
I try to avoid disengaging from reality by staying present in the moment.
We are considering disengaging from social media for a while.
Can you imagine yourself disengaging from all your responsibilities for a day?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to disengage from this stressful situation. I would like disengaging from this stressful situation.
She started to disengage from toxic relationships. She started disengaging from toxic relationships.
He began to disengage from negative influences. He began disengaging from negative influences.
