To Espouse vs Espousing 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 espouse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to espouse the values of equality and justice.

Espousing (Gerund)

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

Example

Espousing these values can lead to positive change.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To espouse (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To espouse these principles is essential for a just society.

  To espouse these principles is essential for a just society.

  • "*To espouse* these principles" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a just society).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to espouse her cause.

  She wants me to espouse her cause.

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

  I need a platform to espouse my beliefs.

  I need a platform to espouse my beliefs.

  • "*To espouse* my beliefs" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to espouse* my beliefs).

Espousing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Espousing ethical practices is important for businesses.

  Espousing ethical practices is important for businesses.

  • "*Espousing* ethical practices" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for businesses).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy espousing different perspectives in my writing.

  I enjoy espousing different perspectives in my writing.

  • "*Espousing* different perspectives in my writing" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*espousing* different perspectives in my writing).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for espousing controversial ideas.

  He has a talent for espousing controversial ideas.

  • "For *espousing* controversial ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *espousing* controversial ideas).

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

He plans to espouse his ideas in his upcoming speech.

They hope to espouse a more sustainable lifestyle.

She wants to espouse a compassionate approach to politics.

We decided to espouse a new philosophy for our organization.

They agreed to espouse the principles of fairness and equality.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys espousing progressive policies.

They recommend espousing a sustainable lifestyle.

I dislike the idea of espousing outdated beliefs.

He avoids espousing divisive rhetoric.

Can you imagine yourself espousing a cause you believe in?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to espouse innovative ideas. She likes espousing innovative ideas.

We started to espouse a more inclusive approach. We started espousing a more inclusive approach.

He began to espouse his philosophy of education. He began espousing his philosophy of education.