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To Diverge vs Diverging 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 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 path and explore new trails.

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 expected path can lead to new discoveries.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To diverge (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    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).
  • 2Object

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

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

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

    I need a map to diverge and find hidden gems.

    I need a map to diverge and find hidden gems.

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

Diverging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Diverging requires courage and a willingness to explore.

    Diverging requires courage and a willingness to explore.

    • "*Diverging*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (courage and a willingness to explore).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy diverging from the conventional methods and trying unconventional approaches.

    I enjoy diverging from the conventional methods and trying unconventional approaches.

    • "*Diverging* from the conventional methods and trying unconventional approaches" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*diverging* from the conventional methods and trying unconventional approaches).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for diverging and exploring new paths.

    She has a passion for diverging and exploring new paths.

    • "For *diverging* and exploring new paths" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *diverging* and exploring new paths).

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 diverge from the usual route and take a scenic detour.

They hope to diverge from the traditional approach and try something innovative.

He wants to diverge from the norm and pursue his own unique style.

We decided to diverge from the crowd and create our own path.

They agreed to diverge from the established rules and challenge the status quo.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys diverging from the mainstream and embracing alternative ideas.

They recommend diverging from the usual routine and trying something different.

I dislike the idea of diverging from the traditional norms and values.

He avoids diverging from the set plan and sticking to the original strategy.

Can you imagine yourself diverging from the predictable path and forging your own way?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to diverge from the beaten path and explore new territories. She likes diverging from the beaten path and exploring new territories.

We started to diverge from the conventional methods and experiment with innovative approaches. We started diverging from the conventional methods and experimenting with innovative approaches.

He began to diverge from the standard procedures and adopt a more flexible approach. He began diverging from the standard procedures and adopting a more flexible approach.

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