To Eliminate vs Eliminating 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 eliminate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to eliminate all distractions to focus on my work.

Eliminating (Gerund)

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

Example

Eliminating distractions is crucial for productivity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To eliminate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To eliminate is the key to success in this project.

  To eliminate is the key to success in this project.

  • "*To eliminate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the key to success in this project).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to eliminate all unnecessary expenses.

  She wants me to eliminate all unnecessary expenses.

  • "Me *to eliminate* all unnecessary expenses" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to eliminate* all unnecessary expenses).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a plan to eliminate any potential risks.

  We need a plan to eliminate any potential risks.

  • "*To eliminate* any potential risks" modifies the noun "plan."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to eliminate* any potential risks).

Eliminating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Eliminating distractions requires focus and discipline.

  Eliminating distractions requires focus and discipline.

  • "*Eliminating* distractions" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (focus and discipline).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy eliminating unnecessary clutter from my space.

  I enjoy eliminating unnecessary clutter from my space.

  • "*Eliminating* unnecessary clutter from my space" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*eliminating* unnecessary clutter from my space).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for eliminating conflicts.

  She has a talent for eliminating conflicts.

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

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
• decide
• want
• choose

Example

They plan to eliminate all obstacles for a smooth operation.

I hope to eliminate all errors in my code.

He decided to eliminate unnecessary steps in the process.

We want to eliminate any doubts or uncertainties.

She chose to eliminate certain ingredients from the recipe.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• resist

Example

He enjoys eliminating distractions to improve focus.

They recommend eliminating negative influences from your life.

I avoid eliminating any possible solutions too quickly.

We are considering eliminating this feature from the product.

She resists eliminating any options without careful evaluation.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to eliminate any potential risks. I would like eliminating any potential risks.

They started to eliminate unnecessary expenses. They started eliminating unnecessary expenses.

He began to eliminate distractions from his workspace. He began eliminating distractions from his workspace.