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To Exemplify vs Exemplifying 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 exemplify (Infinitive)

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

Example

She wants to exemplify the values of honesty and integrity.

Exemplifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Exemplifying strong leadership qualities is essential for success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exemplify (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To exemplify is an important aspect of leadership.

    To exemplify is an important aspect of leadership.

    • "*To exemplify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important aspect of leadership).
  • 2Object

    He expects his employees to exemplify professionalism.

    He expects his employees to exemplify professionalism.

    • "His employees *to exemplify* professionalism" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (He) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (his employees *to exemplify* professionalism).
  • 3Adverb Modifier

    They worked hard to exemplify their dedication.

    They worked hard to exemplify their dedication.

    • "*To exemplify* their dedication" modifies the verb "worked."
    • Noun (They) + verb (worked) + adverb phrase (hard *to exemplify* their dedication).

Exemplifying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Exemplifying good behavior is important in a school setting.

    Exemplifying good behavior is important in a school setting.

    • "*Exemplifying* good behavior" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important in a school setting).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy exemplifying kindness in my interactions with others.

    I enjoy exemplifying kindness in my interactions with others.

    • "*Exemplifying* kindness in my interactions with others" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exemplifying* kindness in my interactions with others).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for exemplifying social change.

    She has a passion for exemplifying social change.

    • "For *exemplifying* social change" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *exemplifying* social change).

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 exemplify her leadership skills in the upcoming project.

They hope to exemplify teamwork in their collaboration.

He wants to exemplify excellence in his work.

We decided to exemplify resilience in the face of challenges.

They agreed to exemplify creativity in their project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys exemplifying her problem-solving skills in difficult situations.

They recommend exemplifying professionalism in the workplace.

I dislike the idea of exemplifying negative behavior.

He avoids exemplifying laziness in his work.

Can you imagine yourself exemplifying leadership qualities in a high-pressure situation?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to exemplify her creativity through her artwork. She likes exemplifying her creativity through her artwork.

We started to exemplify our commitment to sustainability. We started exemplifying our commitment to sustainability.

He began to exemplify his dedication to community service. He began exemplifying his dedication to community service.

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