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To Finagle vs Finagling 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 finagle (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to finagle a better deal on the car.

Finagling (Gerund)

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

Example

Finagling is a manipulative tactic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To finagle (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To finagle is not an ethical way to achieve success.

    To finagle is not an ethical way to achieve success.

    • "*To finagle*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not an ethical way to achieve success).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to finagle the contract for her.

    She wants me to finagle the contract for her.

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

    I need a strategy to finagle my way into the event.

    I need a strategy to finagle my way into the event.

    • "*To finagle* my way into the event" modifies the noun "strategy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to finagle* my way into the event).

Finagling (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Finagling can lead to negative consequences.

    Finagling can lead to negative consequences.

    • "*Finagling*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead) + noun phrase (negative consequences).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy finagling my way to success.

    I enjoy finagling my way to success.

    • "*Finagling* my way to success" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*finagling* my way to success).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for finagling deals.

    He has a talent for finagling deals.

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

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

He plans to finagle a discount on the product.

They hope to finagle their way out of trouble.

She wants to finagle a promotion at work.

We decided to finagle our expenses to save money.

They agreed to finagle the system for personal gain.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys finagling situations to her advantage.

They recommend avoiding finagling in business negotiations.

I dislike the practice of finagling to get what you want.

He avoids finagling others for personal gain.

Can you imagine yourself finagling your way through life?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to finagle people into doing things for her. She likes finagling people into doing things for her.

We started to finagle our way to the top. We started finagling our way to the top.

He began to finagle his expenses to save money. He began finagling his expenses to save money.

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