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To Dissuade vs Dissuading 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 dissuade (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to dissuade him from making that decision.

Dissuading (Gerund)

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

Example

Dissuading someone can be challenging.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To dissuade (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To dissuade someone requires strong arguments.

    To dissuade someone requires strong arguments.

    • "*To dissuade* someone" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strong arguments).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to dissuade him from taking that risk.

    She wants me to dissuade him from taking that risk.

    • "Me *to dissuade* him from taking that risk" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dissuade* him from taking that risk).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need valid reasons to dissuade him.

    I need valid reasons to dissuade him.

    • "Valid reasons *to dissuade* him" modifies the noun "reasons."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (valid reasons *to dissuade* him).

Dissuading (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Dissuading people requires persuasive skills.

    Dissuading people requires persuasive skills.

    • "*Dissuading* people" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (persuasive skills).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy dissuading others from making impulsive decisions.

    I enjoy dissuading others from making impulsive decisions.

    • "*Dissuading* others from making impulsive decisions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dissuading* others from making impulsive decisions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for dissuading people.

    She has a talent for dissuading people.

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

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 dissuade him from joining that group.

They hope to dissuade her from quitting her job.

He wants to dissuade them from investing in that project.

We decided to dissuade him from moving to a new city.

They agreed to dissuade him from buying that car.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend dissuading others from harmful behaviors.

He avoids dissuading his employees from taking risks.

Can you imagine yourself dissuading someone from their dreams?

I don't mind dissuading them if it's for their own good.

She is considering dissuading him from pursuing that career.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to dissuade people from making impulsive purchases. She likes dissuading people from making impulsive purchases.

We started to dissuade our friends from taking unnecessary risks. We started dissuading our friends from taking unnecessary risks.

He began to dissuade his sister from joining that club. He began dissuading his sister from joining that club.

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