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To Essence vs Essencing 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 essence (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to essence the flavors of the dish.

Essencing (Gerund)

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

Example

Essencing the ingredients adds depth to the dish.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To essence (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To essence is a crucial step in perfumery.

    To essence is a crucial step in perfumery.

    • "*To essence*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step in perfumery).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to essence the ingredients.

    She wants me to essence the ingredients.

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

    I need a distiller to essence the herbs.

    I need a distiller to essence the herbs.

    • "*To essence* the herbs" modifies the noun "distiller."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a distiller *to essence* the herbs).

Essencing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Essencing is a delicate process in cooking.

    Essencing is a delicate process in cooking.

    • "*Essencing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a delicate process in cooking).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy essencing my dishes with aromatic herbs.

    I enjoy essencing my dishes with aromatic herbs.

    • "*Essencing* my dishes with aromatic herbs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*essencing* my dishes with aromatic herbs).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for essencing her creations.

    She has a passion for essencing her creations.

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

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 essence the flowers for her homemade perfume.

They hope to essence the fruit to enhance its flavor.

He wants to essence the spices for his signature dish.

We decided to essence the coffee beans for a richer taste.

They agreed to essence the oils together for a unique fragrance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys essencing her desserts with unique flavors.

They recommend using freshly ground spices for better essencing.

I dislike the idea of essencing food with artificial additives.

He avoids essencing his dishes with excessive salt.

Can you imagine the satisfaction of essencing your own creations?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to essence the oils for her homemade skincare products. She likes essencing her dishes with natural ingredients.

We started to essence our own perfumes. We started essencing our dishes with fresh herbs.

He began to essence the flowers for his artistic creations. He began essencing his dishes with exotic spices.

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