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To Ensconce vs Ensconcing Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To ensconce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ensconce myself in a cozy chair and read a book.

Ensconcing (Gerund)

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

Example

Ensconcing oneself in a comfortable spot is essential for relaxation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ensconce (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ensconce oneself is a great way to relax.

    To ensconce oneself is a great way to relax.

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

    She wants me to ensconce her in a comfortable room.

    She wants me to ensconce her in a comfortable room.

    • "Me *to ensconce* her in a comfortable room" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to ensconce* her in a comfortable room).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a cozy corner to ensconce myself.

    I need a cozy corner to ensconce myself.

    • "*To ensconce* myself" modifies the noun "corner."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cozy corner *to ensconce* myself).

Ensconcing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Ensconcing oneself in a cozy chair is a wonderful way to unwind.

    Ensconcing oneself in a cozy chair is a wonderful way to unwind.

    • "*Ensconcing* oneself in a cozy chair" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a cozy chair).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy ensconcing myself in a peaceful room.

    I enjoy ensconcing myself in a peaceful room.

    • "*Ensconcing* myself in a peaceful room" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*ensconcing* myself in a peaceful room).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for ensconcing herself in luxurious surroundings.

    She has a passion for ensconcing herself in luxurious surroundings.

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

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

Example

She plans to ensconce herself in the hammock this weekend.

They hope to ensconce themselves in a cabin during their vacation.

He wants to ensconce himself in a quiet place.

We decided to ensconce ourselves by the fireplace tonight.

They agreed to ensconce themselves in the library for the evening.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys ensconcing herself in a comfortable chair every evening.

They recommend regular ensconcing for better mental health.

I dislike the idea of ensconcing myself in crowded spaces.

He avoids ensconcing himself in noisy environments.

Can you imagine yourself ensconcing in a serene garden?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ensconce herself in a cozy nook. She likes ensconcing herself in a cozy nook.

We started to ensconce ourselves in the study. We started ensconcing ourselves in the study.

He began to ensconce himself in a comfortable bed. He began ensconcing himself in a comfortable bed.

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