To Forbid vs Forbidding 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 forbid (Infinitive)

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

Example

The teacher forbids us to use our phones in class.

Forbidding (Gerund)

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

Example

Forbidding smoking in public places is a common regulation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To forbid (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To forbid is a necessary rule in this situation.

  To forbid is a necessary rule in this situation.

  • "*To forbid*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a necessary rule).
• 2. Object

  They asked him to forbid the use of fireworks.

  They asked him to forbid the use of fireworks.

  • "Him *to forbid* the use of fireworks" is the object of the verb "asked."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (him *to forbid* the use of fireworks).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a sign to forbid smoking in this area.

  We need a sign to forbid smoking in this area.

  • "*To forbid* smoking in this area" modifies the noun "sign."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sign *to forbid* smoking in this area).

Forbidding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Forbidding certain actions can be challenging for parents.

  Forbidding certain actions can be challenging for parents.

  • "*Forbidding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging for parents).
• 2. Object

  He doesn't mind forbidding them from using his tools.

  He doesn't mind forbidding them from using his tools.

  • "*Forbidding* them from using his tools" is the object of the verb "doesn't mind."
  • Noun (He) + verb (doesn't mind) + gerund (*forbidding* them from using his tools).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of forbidding her children from exploring.

  She has a fear of forbidding her children from exploring.

  • "Of *forbidding* her children from exploring" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *forbidding* her children from exploring).

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

• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• wish
• demand

Example

She decided to forbid any further discussion on the topic.

They refused to forbid their children from attending the party.

He attempted to forbid her from leaving the room.

I wish to forbid such behavior in the future.

The boss demanded to forbid any unauthorized access to company files.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• delay
• deny

Example

They avoid forbidding their employees from taking breaks.

I am considering forbidding late-night phone usage.

Experts recommend forbidding smoking near children.

They delayed forbidding the use of plastic bags.

The court denied forbidding the publication of the article.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• stop

Example

He would like to forbid any further contact with the suspect. He would like forbidding any further contact with the suspect.

They began to forbid the use of single-use plastics. They began forbidding the use of single-use plastics.

She stopped to forbid them from entering the restricted area. She stopped forbidding them from entering the restricted area.