Help center

To Esse vs Essing Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 esse (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to esse the best version of myself.

Essing (Gerund)

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

Example

Essing is a continuous process of self-discovery.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To esse (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To esse is to exist.

    To esse is to exist.

    • "*To esse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + verb (to exist).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to esse happy.

    She wants me to esse happy.

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

    I need a purpose to esse fulfilled.

    I need a purpose to esse fulfilled.

    • "*To esse* fulfilled" modifies the noun "purpose."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a purpose *to esse* fulfilled).

Essing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Essing requires self-reflection.

    Essing requires self-reflection.

    • "*Essing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (self-reflection).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy essing different perspectives.

    I enjoy essing different perspectives.

    • "*Essing* different perspectives" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*essing* different perspectives).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for essing her creativity.

    She has a passion for essing her creativity.

    • "For *essing* her creativity" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *essing* her creativity).

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 esse the best version of herself.

They hope to esse successful in their careers.

He wants to esse loved and accepted.

We decided to esse happy no matter what.

They agreed to esse open-minded and understanding.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys essing new experiences.

They recommend daily essing for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of essing inauthenticity.

He avoids essing negative influences.

Can you imagine yourself essing your true potential?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to esse present in the moment. She likes essing the beauty of life.

We started to esse more mindful. We started essing our emotions.

He began to esse his authentic self. He began essing his passions.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!