To Dispel vs Dispelling 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 dispel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dispel the rumors and set the record straight.

Dispelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Dispelling misconceptions is an important part of education.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dispel (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To dispel doubts is essential for building trust.

  To dispel doubts is essential for building trust.

  • "*To dispel* doubts" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for building trust).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to dispel the misunderstanding.

  She wants me to dispel the misunderstanding.

  • "Me *to dispel* the misunderstanding" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dispel* the misunderstanding).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a clear explanation to dispel any confusion.

  He needs a clear explanation to dispel any confusion.

  • "*To dispel* any confusion" modifies the noun "explanation."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a clear explanation *to dispel* any confusion).

Dispelling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Dispelling rumors requires accurate information.

  Dispelling rumors requires accurate information.

  • "*Dispelling* rumors" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (accurate information).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy dispelling false beliefs.

  I enjoy dispelling false beliefs.

  • "*Dispelling* false beliefs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dispelling* false beliefs).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for dispelling misunderstandings.

  She has a talent for dispelling misunderstandings.

  • "For *dispelling* misunderstandings" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *dispelling* misunderstandings).

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

They plan to dispel the rumors at the press conference tomorrow.

I hope to dispel any doubts about my abilities.

She wants to dispel the misconception about her research.

He decided to dispel the myths surrounding the topic.

We agreed to dispel any misunderstandings through open communication.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

Experts recommend dispelling myths through education and awareness.

We should avoid dispelling rumors without verifying the facts.

Can you imagine dispelling stereotypes through storytelling?

They are considering dispelling misconceptions through a public campaign.

He doesn't mind dispelling doubts and answering questions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to dispel rumors and provide clarity. She likes dispelling misconceptions and spreading knowledge.

They began to dispel the rumors surrounding their relationship. They began dispelling false information about their achievements.

We will continue to dispel any doubts that arise. We will continue dispelling myths and promoting awareness.