To Flatter vs Flattering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To flatter (Infinitive)

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

Example

She wants to flatter her boss to get a promotion.

Flattering (Gerund)

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

Example

Flattering others can be a way to build relationships.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To flatter (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To flatter is not always the best way to gain someone's trust.

  To flatter is not always the best way to gain someone's trust.

  • "*To flatter*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always the best way to gain someone's trust).
• 2. Object

  He asked me to flatter his clients.

  He asked me to flatter his clients.

  • "Me *to flatter* his clients" is the object of the verb "asked."
  • Noun (He) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to flatter* his clients).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  She needs a new dress to flatter her figure.

  She needs a new dress to flatter her figure.

  • "*To flatter* her figure" modifies the noun "dress."
  • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a new dress *to flatter* her figure).

Flattering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Flattering people is not always sincere.

  Flattering people is not always sincere.

  • "*Flattering* people" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always sincere).
• 2. Object

  She enjoys flattering her friends with compliments.

  She enjoys flattering her friends with compliments.

  • "*Flattering* her friends with compliments" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*flattering* her friends with compliments).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for flattering others.

  He has a talent for flattering others.

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

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

• want
• hope
• decide
• choose
• attempt

Example

They want to flatter the guests at the party.

I hope to flatter my interviewer during the job interview.

He decided to flatter his date with compliments.

She chose to flatter her professor with a thoughtful gift.

They attempted to flatter the judge to win the case.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• mind
• avoid
• consider

Example

They enjoy flattering their colleagues with praise.

I recommend flattering your partner to strengthen your relationship.

She doesn't mind flattering her clients to make a sale.

He avoids flattering people just for personal gain.

We are considering flattering our customers with special discounts.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to flatter others to gain their favor. He likes flattering others to gain their favor.

They started to flatter their boss for better opportunities. They started flattering their boss for better opportunities.

She began to flatter her co-workers to create a positive work environment. She began flattering her co-workers to create a positive work environment.