To Engross vs Engrossing 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 engross (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to engross myself in a good book.

Engrossing (Gerund)

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

Example

Engrossing oneself in a good book is a great way to relax.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To engross (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To engross oneself in a good book is a great way to relax.

  To engross oneself in a good book is a great way to relax.

  • "*To engross* oneself in a good book" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to relax).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to engross myself in the project.

  She wants me to engross myself in the project.

  • "Me *to engross* myself in the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to engross* myself in the project).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a quiet environment to engross myself in my work.

  I need a quiet environment to engross myself in my work.

  • "*To engross* myself in my work" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet environment *to engross* myself in my work).

Engrossing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Engrossing oneself in a good book requires concentration.

  Engrossing oneself in a good book requires concentration.

  • "*Engrossing* oneself in a good book" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (concentration).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy engrossing myself in a thrilling movie.

  I enjoy engrossing myself in a thrilling movie.

  • "*Engrossing* myself in a thrilling movie" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*engrossing* myself in a thrilling movie).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for engrossing herself in challenging puzzles.

  She has a passion for engrossing herself in challenging puzzles.

  • "For *engrossing* herself in challenging puzzles" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *engrossing* herself in challenging puzzles).

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
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to engross herself in a new hobby next month.

They hope to engross themselves in their favorite TV show tonight.

He wants to engross himself in learning a new language.

We decided to engross ourselves in a DIY project over the weekend.

They agreed to engross themselves in a challenging puzzle together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys engrossing herself in a good novel every evening.

They recommend engrossing yourself in a thought-provoking documentary.

I dislike the idea of engrossing myself in horror movies.

He avoids engrossing himself in negative thoughts.

Can you imagine yourself engrossing in a virtual reality game?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to engross herself in deep conversations. She likes engrossing herself in deep conversations.

We started to engross ourselves in meditation. We started engrossing ourselves in meditation.

He began to engross himself in painting. He began engrossing himself in painting.