To Forebode vs Foreboding 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 forebode (Infinitive)

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

Example

The dark clouds in the sky forebode a storm.

Foreboding (Gerund)

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

Example

A sense of foreboding washed over her as she entered the old house.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To forebode (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To forebode is a natural instinct for some people.

  To forebode is a natural instinct for some people.

  • "*To forebode*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural instinct for some people).
• 2. Object

  She doesn't want me to forebode any bad news.

  She doesn't want me to forebode any bad news.

  • "Me *to forebode* any bad news" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
  • Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to forebode* any bad news).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a reason to forebode danger.

  He needs a reason to forebode danger.

  • "*To forebode* danger" modifies the noun "reason."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reason *to forebode* danger).

Foreboding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Foreboding can be a sign of an impending disaster.

  Foreboding can be a sign of an impending disaster.

  • "*Foreboding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a sign of an impending disaster).
• 2. Object

  He couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding throughout the day.

  He couldn't shake off the feeling of foreboding throughout the day.

  • "The feeling of *foreboding*" is the object of the verb "couldn't shake off."
  • Noun (He) + verb (couldn't shake off) + gerund (the feeling of *foreboding*).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They were filled with a sense of foreboding about the upcoming exam.

  They were filled with a sense of foreboding about the upcoming exam.

  • "A sense of *foreboding*" is the object of the preposition "about."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (were filled with) + noun phrase (a sense of *foreboding* about the upcoming exam).

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

• hope
• attempt
• pretend
• wish
• decide

Example

They hope to forebode the outcome of the situation.

He attempted to forebode the future through tarot cards.

She pretends to forebode the events before they happen.

I wish to forebode any potential dangers.

They decided to forebode the possible consequences.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• imagine
• discuss

Example

He tries to avoid foreboding any negative outcomes.

We are considering foreboding the potential risks.

Experts recommend paying attention to foreboding signs.

Can you imagine foreboding a future without any problems?

They discussed foreboding the potential dangers.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I don't like to forebode bad things happening. I don't like foreboding bad things happening.

He began to forebode the worst-case scenario. He began foreboding the worst-case scenario.

She continues to forebode negative outcomes. She continues foreboding negative outcomes.