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To Exact vs Exacting 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 exact (Infinitive)

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

Example

The detective wants to exact revenge on the criminal who killed his partner.

Exacting (Gerund)

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

Example

Exacting attention to detail is essential in this job.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exact (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To exact justice is the duty of the legal system.

    To exact justice is the duty of the legal system.

    • "*To exact* justice" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the duty of the legal system).
  • 2Object

    He expects me to exact payment from the debtor.

    He expects me to exact payment from the debtor.

    • "Me *to exact* payment from the debtor" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (He) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (me *to exact* payment from the debtor).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a tool to exact precise measurements.

    I need a tool to exact precise measurements.

    • "*To exact* precise measurements" modifies the noun "tool."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a tool *to exact* precise measurements).

Exacting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Exacting high standards is a key aspect of leadership.

    Exacting high standards is a key aspect of leadership.

    • "*Exacting* high standards" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a key aspect of leadership).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy exacting precision in my work.

    I enjoy exacting precision in my work.

    • "*Exacting* precision in my work" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exacting* precision in my work).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a knack for exacting perfection from herself.

    She has a knack for exacting perfection from herself.

    • "For *exacting* perfection from herself" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *exacting* perfection from herself).

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 exact revenge on her enemies.

They hope to exact justice for the victims.

He wants to exact punishment on the guilty party.

We decided to exact compensation for the damages.

They agreed to exact retribution for the betrayal.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys exacting discipline in her training.

They recommend exacting thoroughness in the investigation.

I dislike the idea of exacting obedience from others.

He avoids exacting too much effort from his team.

Can you imagine yourself exacting excellence in every task?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to exact revenge on those who wronged her. She likes exacting revenge on those who wronged her.

We started to exact justice for the oppressed. We started exacting justice for the oppressed.

He began to exact payment from his debtors. He began exacting payment from his debtors.

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