To Dislodge vs Dislodging 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 dislodge (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need a tool to dislodge the stuck bolt.

Dislodging (Gerund)

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

Example

Dislodging the old wallpaper can be a time-consuming process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dislodge (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To dislodge is a challenging task.

  To dislodge is a challenging task.

  • "*To dislodge*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a challenging task).
• 2. Object

  He wants me to dislodge the debris from the pipe.

  He wants me to dislodge the debris from the pipe.

  • "Me *to dislodge* the debris from the pipe" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dislodge* the debris from the pipe).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a strong tool to dislodge the rocks.

  We need a strong tool to dislodge the rocks.

  • "*To dislodge* the rocks" modifies the noun "tool."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong tool *to dislodge* the rocks).

Dislodging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Dislodging requires patience and carefulness.

  Dislodging requires patience and carefulness.

  • "*Dislodging*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and carefulness).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy dislodging dirt and debris from the garden.

  I enjoy dislodging dirt and debris from the garden.

  • "*Dislodging* dirt and debris from the garden" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dislodging* dirt and debris from the garden).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has experience in dislodging clogs from the drain.

  He has experience in dislodging clogs from the drain.

  • "In *dislodging* clogs from the drain" is the object of the preposition "in."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (experience in *dislodging* clogs from the drain).

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

• attempt
• refuse
• struggle
• manage
• demand

Example

He attempted to dislodge the jammed door with a screwdriver.

She refused to dislodge the bird nest from the chimney.

They struggled to dislodge the stubborn stain from the carpet.

We managed to dislodge the stuck zipper with some oil.

The customer demanded us to dislodge the faulty part and replace it.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• finish
• consider
• resist
• risk

Example

She avoids dislodging the spider webs in the basement.

They finished dislodging the stuck key from the lock.

I am considering dislodging the old tiles and installing new ones.

He resisted dislodging the splinter from his finger.

We don't want to risk dislodging the fragile ornaments while moving.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to dislodge obstacles in my path. I like dislodging obstacles in my path.

She started to dislodge the stuck button. She started dislodging the stuck button.

He began to dislodge the stuck drawer. He began dislodging the stuck drawer.