To Foreshadow vs Foreshadowing 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 foreshadow (Infinitive)

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

Example

The dark clouds foreshadow an approaching storm.

Foreshadowing (Gerund)

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

Example

The use of foreshadowing adds suspense to the story.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To foreshadow (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To foreshadow is an important literary technique.

  To foreshadow is an important literary technique.

  • "*To foreshadow*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important literary technique).
• 2. Object

  I want the dream to foreshadow future events.

  I want the dream to foreshadow future events.

  • "The dream *to foreshadow* future events" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (I) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the dream *to foreshadow* future events).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  She needs a symbol to foreshadow the character's fate.

  She needs a symbol to foreshadow the character's fate.

  • "*To foreshadow* the character's fate" modifies the noun "symbol."
  • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a symbol *to foreshadow* the character's fate).

Foreshadowing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Foreshadowing creates anticipation in the reader.

  Foreshadowing creates anticipation in the reader.

  • "*Foreshadowing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (creates) + noun phrase (anticipation in the reader).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy books with effective foreshadowing.

  I enjoy books with effective foreshadowing.

  • "Books with effective *foreshadowing*" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (books with effective *foreshadowing*).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They discussed the importance of foreshadowing in literature.

  They discussed the importance of foreshadowing in literature.

  • "Of *foreshadowing* in literature" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (discussed) + noun phrase (the importance of *foreshadowing* in literature).

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

• predict
• suggest
• imply
• hint
• foretell

Example

The signs predict to foreshadow a positive outcome.

The clues suggest to foreshadow a plot twist.

The subtle hints imply to foreshadow a tragic ending.

The mysterious letter hints to foreshadow a secret.

The fortune teller's words foretell to foreshadow a life-changing event.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• use
• employ
• include
• depict
• illustrate

Example

The author uses foreshadowing to create suspense.

The filmmaker employs foreshadowing to build tension.

The story includes effective foreshadowing techniques.

The painting depicts foreshadowing of an upcoming tragedy.

The illustrations in the book illustrate foreshadowing of the final twist.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to foreshadow future events in my writing. I like foreshadowing future events in my writing.

He started to foreshadow the outcome from the beginning. He started foreshadowing the outcome from the beginning.

They began to foreshadow the impending danger. They began foreshadowing the impending danger.