To Embody vs Embodying 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 embody (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to embody the values of integrity and honesty.

Embodying (Gerund)

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

Example

Embodying these principles is crucial for success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To embody (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To embody these principles is essential for success.

  To embody these principles is essential for success.

  • "*To embody* these principles" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for success).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to embody the company's mission statement.

  She wants me to embody the company's mission statement.

  • "Me *to embody* the company's mission statement" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to embody* the company's mission statement).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a role model to embody leadership qualities.

  He needs a role model to embody leadership qualities.

  • "*To embody* leadership qualities" modifies the noun "role model."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a role model *to embody* leadership qualities).

Embodying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Embodying ethical behavior is important in the workplace.

  Embodying ethical behavior is important in the workplace.

  • "*Embodying* ethical behavior" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important in the workplace).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy embodying the values of teamwork and collaboration.

  I enjoy embodying the values of teamwork and collaboration.

  • "*Embodying* the values of teamwork and collaboration" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*embodying* the values of teamwork and collaboration).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for embodying creativity in her work.

  She has a passion for embodying creativity in her work.

  • "For *embodying* creativity in her work" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *embodying* creativity in her work).

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

• agree
• hope
• plan
• refuse
• want

Example

They agreed to embody the spirit of teamwork in their project.

We hope to embody the values of equality and diversity in our organization.

She plans to embody resilience and determination in her journey.

He refused to embody dishonesty and deceit in his actions.

They want to embody compassion and kindness in their interactions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• understand

Example

He enjoys embodying the spirit of innovation in his projects.

Experts recommend embodying a growth mindset for personal development.

We are considering embodying sustainability practices in our business.

They avoid embodying negative behaviors in their relationships.

It is important to understand the importance of embodying empathy in social interactions.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to embody confidence and self-belief. She likes embodying confidence and self-belief.

They started to embody the principles of fairness and justice. They started embodying the principles of fairness and justice.

He began to embody the values of honesty and transparency. He began embodying the values of honesty and transparency.