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To Entreat vs Entreating 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 entreat (Infinitive)

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

Example

I entreat you to reconsider your decision.

Entreating (Gerund)

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

Example

Entreating can be seen as a sign of desperation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To entreat (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To entreat is a polite way to make a request.

    To entreat is a polite way to make a request.

    • "*To entreat*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a polite way to make a request).
  • 2Object

    She asked him to entreat the guests to stay.

    She asked him to entreat the guests to stay.

    • "Him *to entreat* the guests to stay" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to entreat* the guests to stay).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a persuasive speech to entreat the audience.

    We need a persuasive speech to entreat the audience.

    • "*To entreat* the audience" modifies the noun "speech."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a persuasive speech *to entreat* the audience).

Entreating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Entreating is a common practice in times of need.

    Entreating is a common practice in times of need.

    • "*Entreating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in times of need).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys entreating others for help.

    She enjoys entreating others for help.

    • "*Entreating* others for help" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*entreating* others for help).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for entreating people to donate.

    He has a talent for entreating people to donate.

    • "For *entreating* people to donate" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *entreating* people to donate).

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

They decided to entreat their boss for a raise.

He hopes to entreat her forgiveness.

She wants to entreat them to attend the event.

We promise to entreat the committee for a second chance.

He attempted to entreat the judge for leniency.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend entreating the authorities for assistance.

I am considering entreating my parents for permission.

He avoids entreating others for help.

Can you imagine yourself entreating a stranger for money?

Let's discuss the benefits of entreating for support.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to entreat her friends for advice. She likes entreating her friends for advice.

We started to entreat the government for change. We started entreating the government for change.

He began to entreat his parents for permission. He began entreating his parents for permission.

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