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To Equate vs Equating 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 equate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to equate the two sides of the equation.

Equating (Gerund)

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

Example

Equating the two sides of the equation is essential.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To equate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To equate is a common mathematical operation.

    To equate is a common mathematical operation.

    • "*To equate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a common mathematical operation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to equate the values.

    She wants me to equate the values.

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

    I need a calculator to equate the expressions.

    I need a calculator to equate the expressions.

    • "*To equate* the expressions" modifies the noun "calculator."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calculator *to equate* the expressions).

Equating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Equating the values is necessary for the solution.

    Equating the values is necessary for the solution.

    • "*Equating* the values" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (necessary for the solution).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy equating different expressions.

    I enjoy equating different expressions.

    • "*Equating* different expressions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*equating* different expressions).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for equating complex equations.

    She has a talent for equating complex equations.

    • "For *equating* complex equations" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *equating* complex equations).

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 equate the equations tomorrow.

They hope to equate the variables in their research.

He wants to equate the values for accuracy.

We decided to equate the measurements using a standardized method.

They agreed to equate the two sides of the equation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys equating mathematical problems.

They recommend equating the values before proceeding.

I dislike the process of equating large equations.

He avoids equating complex expressions without assistance.

Can you imagine yourself equating multiple equations at once?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to equate numbers to find patterns. She likes equating numbers to find patterns.

We started to equate the variables in the equation. We started equating the variables in the equation.

He began to equate the expressions for simplification. He began equating the expressions for simplification.

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