To Diverge vs Diverging 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 diverge (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to diverge from the main road and explore the hidden paths.

Diverging (Gerund)

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

Example

Diverging from the main road can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To diverge (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To diverge is not always a bad thing.

  To diverge is not always a bad thing.

  • "*To diverge*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adverb (not) + adjective phrase (always a bad thing).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to diverge from the group and find my own path.

  She wants me to diverge from the group and find my own path.

  • "Me *to diverge* from the group and find my own path" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to diverge* from the group and find my own path).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a map to diverge safely.

  I need a map to diverge safely.

  • "*To diverge* safely" modifies the noun "map."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to diverge* safely).

Diverging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Diverging requires careful navigation.

  Diverging requires careful navigation.

  • "*Diverging*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + adjective phrase (careful navigation).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy diverging from the usual routes and exploring new areas.

  I enjoy diverging from the usual routes and exploring new areas.

  • "*Diverging* from the usual routes and exploring new areas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*diverging* from the usual routes and exploring new areas).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a knack for diverging from the crowd.

  He has a knack for diverging from the crowd.

  • "For *diverging* from the crowd" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *diverging* from the crowd).

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
• decide
• hope
• attempt
• choose

Example

He plans to diverge from the main route and take a scenic detour.

We decided to diverge from the traditional approach and try something new.

They hope to diverge from the usual routine and experience new adventures.

She attempted to diverge from the established norms and challenge the status quo.

I chose to diverge from the conventional path and pursue my own passions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

We are considering diverging from the planned itinerary and taking an alternate route.

They recommend diverging from the usual path for a more scenic experience.

She avoids diverging from the designated trail to prevent getting lost.

Can you imagine yourself diverging from the well-trodden path and exploring uncharted territories?

Do you mind diverging from the original plan and trying something different?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• prefer

Example

I like to diverge from the main road and take the road less traveled. I like diverging from the main road and exploring new paths.

They began to diverge from the established norms and create their own rules. They began diverging from the established norms and challenging the status quo.

She prefers to diverge from the usual routine and embrace spontaneity. She prefers diverging from the usual routine and embracing spontaneity.