Help center

To Forgive vs Forgiving Infinitives & Gerunds

📝

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 forgive (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to forgive him for his mistake.

Forgiving (Gerund)

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

Example

Forgiving others can lead to inner peace.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To forgive (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To forgive is a sign of strength and maturity.

    To forgive is a sign of strength and maturity.

    • "*To forgive*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of strength and maturity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to forgive her for what she did.

    She wants me to forgive her for what she did.

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

    He needs a heart to forgive and let go.

    He needs a heart to forgive and let go.

    • "*To forgive* and let go" modifies the noun "heart."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a heart *to forgive* and let go).

Forgiving (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Forgiving is an act of compassion and empathy.

    Forgiving is an act of compassion and empathy.

    • "*Forgiving*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an act of compassion and empathy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy forgiving people and letting go of grudges.

    I enjoy forgiving people and letting go of grudges.

    • "*Forgiving* people and letting go of grudges" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*forgiving* people and letting go of grudges).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for forgiving others.

    She has a talent for forgiving others.

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

Example

She plans to forgive him after he apologizes.

They hope to forgive each other and move on.

He wants to forgive himself for past mistakes.

We decided to forgive and forget about the argument.

They agreed to forgive their friend for the misunderstanding.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys forgiving her friends for their mistakes.

They recommend practicing forgiving for emotional well-being.

I dislike the idea of forgiving without an apology.

He avoids forgiving those who repeatedly hurt him.

Can you imagine yourself forgiving someone who betrayed you?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to forgive and give people second chances. She likes forgiving and giving people second chances.

We started to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We started forgiving ourselves for past mistakes.

He began to forgive others and heal his own wounds. He began forgiving others and healing his own wounds.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!