To Frivolize vs Frivolizing 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 frivolize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to frivolize the importance of this issue.

Frivolizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Frivolizing the issue is not advisable.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To frivolize (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To frivolize is not appropriate in this situation.

  To frivolize is not appropriate in this situation.

  • "*To frivolize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (not appropriate).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to frivolize the seriousness of the matter.

  She wants me to frivolize the seriousness of the matter.

  • "Me *to frivolize* the seriousness of the matter" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to frivolize* the seriousness of the matter).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a solution to frivolize the problem.

  I need a solution to frivolize the problem.

  • "*To frivolize* the problem" modifies the noun "solution."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to frivolize* the problem).

Frivolizing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Frivolizing is not the right approach to this problem.

  Frivolizing is not the right approach to this problem.

  • "*Frivolizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the right approach to this problem).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy frivolizing mundane tasks to make them more fun.

  I enjoy frivolizing mundane tasks to make them more fun.

  • "*Frivolizing* mundane tasks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*frivolizing* mundane tasks).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for frivolizing serious topics.

  She has a talent for frivolizing serious topics.

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

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

• agree
• pretend
• choose
• determine
• wish

Example

They agree to frivolize the issue for the sake of peace.

He pretends to frivolize his responsibilities at work.

We chose to frivolize the seriousness of the situation.

She determined to frivolize the consequences of her actions.

They wish to frivolize the impact of their decision.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• delay
• deny

Example

He avoids frivolizing important discussions.

They consider frivolizing as a way to lighten the mood.

I recommend not frivolizing the gravity of the situation.

We delayed frivolizing the decision until we had more information.

She denies frivolizing the significance of the issue.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to frivolize situations to bring some humor. I like frivolizing situations to bring some humor.

They started to frivolize the conversation with jokes. They started frivolizing the conversation with jokes.

He began to frivolize the seriousness of the matter. He began frivolizing the seriousness of the matter.