When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To forgo (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to forgo" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I decided to forgo dessert to save calories.
Forgoing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "forgoing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Forgoing dessert is a sacrifice for those on a diet.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To forgo (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To forgo is a difficult choice to make.
To forgo is a difficult choice to make.
- "*To forgo*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult choice to make).
- 2Object
She wants me to forgo my vacation plans.
She wants me to forgo my vacation plans.
- "Me *to forgo* my vacation plans" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to forgo* my vacation plans).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a strong willpower to forgo unhealthy snacks.
He needs a strong willpower to forgo unhealthy snacks.
- "*To forgo* unhealthy snacks" modifies the noun "willpower."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a strong willpower *to forgo* unhealthy snacks).
Forgoing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Forgoing sweets can be challenging for some people.
Forgoing sweets can be challenging for some people.
- "*Forgoing* sweets" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging for some people).
- 2Object
I enjoy forgoing unnecessary expenses.
I enjoy forgoing unnecessary expenses.
- "*Forgoing* unnecessary expenses" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*forgoing* unnecessary expenses).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a strong willpower for forgoing unhealthy snacks.
She has a strong willpower for forgoing unhealthy snacks.
- "For *forgoing* unhealthy snacks" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a strong willpower for *forgoing* unhealthy snacks).
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
They plan to forgo eating out to save money.
I hope to forgo sugary drinks for a healthier lifestyle.
We want to forgo unnecessary expenses.
He decided to forgo attending the party.
They agreed to forgo the annual holiday trip.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys forgoing late-night snacking.
Doctors recommend forgoing smoking for better health.
She dislikes the idea of forgoing vacations.
I avoid forgoing exercise for too long.
Can you imagine yourself forgoing your favorite food for a month?
