To Grasp vs Grasping 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 grasp (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to grasp the concept before the exam.

Grasping (Gerund)

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

Example

Grasping the concept is crucial for problem-solving.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To grasp (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To grasp the material is essential for success in this course.

  To grasp the material is essential for success in this course.

  • "*To grasp* the material" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for success in this course).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to grasp the opportunity.

  She wants me to grasp the opportunity.

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

  I need a good teacher to grasp the complex topic.

  I need a good teacher to grasp the complex topic.

  • "*To grasp* the complex topic" modifies the noun "teacher."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good teacher *to grasp* the complex topic).

Grasping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Grasping the basics is the first step in learning.

  Grasping the basics is the first step in learning.

  • "*Grasping* the basics" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step in learning).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy grasping new concepts.

  I enjoy grasping new concepts.

  • "*Grasping* new concepts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*grasping* new concepts).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a talent for grasping complex ideas.

  He has a talent for grasping complex ideas.

  • "For *grasping* complex ideas" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *grasping* complex ideas).

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

• try
• learn
• decide
• hope
• manage

Example

He will try to grasp the new technique.

They are eager to grasp the language quickly.

We decided to grasp the opportunity with both hands.

She hopes to grasp the main idea of the article.

They managed to grasp the concept after several attempts.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• mind
• consider
• risk

Example

She avoids grasping at straws and seeks solid evidence.

Experts recommend regular grasping of new skills for personal growth.

I don't mind grasping the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.

They consider grasping the fundamentals as the foundation of success.

He risks grasping the wrong end of the stick if he doesn't pay attention.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to grasp new concepts quickly. She likes grasping new concepts quickly.

We started to grasp the intricacies of the subject. We started grasping the intricacies of the subject.

He began to grasp the complex theories. He began grasping the complex theories.