To Embrace vs Embracing 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 embrace (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to embrace new opportunities and challenges in my career.

Embracing (Gerund)

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

Example

Embracing change can lead to personal growth and development.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To embrace (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To embrace change is essential for personal growth.

  To embrace change is essential for personal growth.

  • "*To embrace* change" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for personal growth).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to embrace her tightly.

  She wants me to embrace her tightly.

  • "Me *to embrace* her tightly" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to embrace* her tightly).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a positive mindset to embrace challenges.

  I need a positive mindset to embrace challenges.

  • "*To embrace* challenges" modifies the noun "mindset."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a positive mindset *to embrace* challenges).

Embracing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Embracing new ideas is crucial for innovation.

  Embracing new ideas is crucial for innovation.

  • "*Embracing* new ideas" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for innovation).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy embracing different cultures during my travels.

  I enjoy embracing different cultures during my travels.

  • "*Embracing* different cultures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*embracing* different cultures).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for embracing new challenges.

  She has a passion for embracing new challenges.

  • "For *embracing* new challenges" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *embracing* new challenges).

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

• decide
• plan
• hope
• want
• attempt

Example

We decided to embrace the new project wholeheartedly.

She plans to embrace a healthier lifestyle starting next week.

They hope to embrace diversity and inclusivity in their organization.

He wants to embrace new technologies to improve efficiency.

We attempted to embrace a minimalist lifestyle but found it challenging.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine

Example

She enjoys embracing new experiences and opportunities.

They recommend embracing a growth mindset for personal development.

He avoids embracing negativity and toxic relationships.

I am considering embracing a vegetarian diet for ethical reasons.

Can you imagine yourself embracing a new career path?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to embrace challenges and learn from them. She likes embracing challenges and learning from them.

We started to embrace mindfulness practices. We started embracing mindfulness practices.

He began to embrace his creative side. He began embracing his creative side.