To Endanger vs Endangering 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 endanger (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to endanger my life for a thrill.

Endangering (Gerund)

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

Example

Endangering wildlife is a serious offense.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To endanger (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To endanger others is irresponsible.

  To endanger others is irresponsible.

  • "*To endanger*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (irresponsible).
• 2. Object

  He wants me to endanger myself for his sake.

  He wants me to endanger myself for his sake.

  • "Me *to endanger* myself for his sake" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to endanger* myself for his sake).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a warning sign to endanger people from entering.

  We need a warning sign to endanger people from entering.

  • "*To endanger* people from entering" modifies the noun "warning sign."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a warning sign *to endanger* people from entering).

Endangering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Endangering the environment harms future generations.

  Endangering the environment harms future generations.

  • "*Endangering* the environment" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (harms) + noun phrase (future generations).
• 2. Object

  She enjoys endangering herself with risky activities.

  She enjoys endangering herself with risky activities.

  • "*Endangering* herself with risky activities" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*endangering* herself with risky activities).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have a passion for endangering endangered species.

  They have a passion for endangering endangered species.

  • "For *endangering* endangered species" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *endangering* endangered species).

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
• refuse
• attempt
• choose
• wish

Example

She plans to endanger her life by participating in extreme sports.

They refuse to endanger their safety for an adrenaline rush.

He attempted to endanger others by driving recklessly.

We chose to endanger ourselves by climbing the treacherous mountain.

I wish to endanger my life for a moment of excitement.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids endangering his health by practicing safe habits.

They consider endangering others to be morally wrong.

I recommend avoiding endangering the lives of innocent animals.

Do you mind endangering your own safety for a thrill?

She can't imagine endangering herself by engaging in extreme stunts.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to endanger themselves for an adrenaline rush. They like endangering themselves for an adrenaline rush.

We started to endanger our lives for the sake of adventure. We started endangering our lives for the sake of adventure.

He began to endanger others without considering the consequences. He began endangering others without considering the consequences.