To Forseen vs Forseeing 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 forseen (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to forseen any potential issues before starting the project.

Forseeing (Gerund)

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

Example

Forseeing potential problems is crucial in risk management.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To forseen (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To forseen is essential for effective project management.

  To forseen is essential for effective project management.

  • "*To forseen*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for effective project management).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to forseen the possible outcomes.

  She wants me to forseen the possible outcomes.

  • "Me *to forseen* the possible outcomes" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to forseen* the possible outcomes).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a strategy to forseen potential risks.

  We need a strategy to forseen potential risks.

  • "*To forseen* potential risks" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to forseen* potential risks).

Forseeing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Forseeing the future can be challenging.

  Forseeing the future can be challenging.

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

  I enjoy forseeing different scenarios.

  I enjoy forseeing different scenarios.

  • "*Forseeing* different scenarios" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*forseeing* different scenarios).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for forseeing potential risks.

  He has a talent for forseeing potential risks.

  • "For *forseeing* potential risks" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *forseeing* potential risks).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

He plans to forseen any obstacles in the project.

They hope to forseen the impact of the new policy.

She wants to forseen the consequences of her actions.

We decided to forseen the potential challenges.

They agreed to forseen the possible outcomes.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine
• mind

Example

They recommend forseeing potential issues in advance.

She avoids forseeing negative outcomes.

We should consider forseeing possible challenges.

Can you imagine forseeing the consequences of your actions?

I don't mind forseeing different options before making a decision.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to forseen any problems ahead of time. I would like forseeing potential risks ahead of time.

They started to forseen potential issues from the beginning. They started forseeing potential issues from the beginning.

He began to forseen the implications of the decision. He began forseeing the implications of the decision.