To Ignore vs Ignoring 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 ignore (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to ignore any negative comments.

Ignoring (Gerund)

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

Example

Ignoring negativity is essential for personal growth.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ignore (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To ignore is a sign of maturity.

  To ignore is a sign of maturity.

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

  She wants me to ignore her rude behavior.

  She wants me to ignore her rude behavior.

  • "Me *to ignore* her rude behavior" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to ignore* her rude behavior).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a distraction to ignore the noise.

  I need a distraction to ignore the noise.

  • "*To ignore* the noise" modifies the noun "distraction."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a distraction *to ignore* the noise).

Ignoring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Ignoring toxic people is necessary for self-care.

  Ignoring toxic people is necessary for self-care.

  • "*Ignoring* toxic people" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (necessary for self-care).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy ignoring unnecessary drama.

  I enjoy ignoring unnecessary drama.

  • "*Ignoring* unnecessary drama" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*ignoring* unnecessary drama).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for ignoring distractions.

  She has a talent for ignoring distractions.

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

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

• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• determine
• manage

Example

We decided to ignore the negativity and focus on our goals.

He refused to ignore the injustice and took a stand.

They attempted to ignore the distractions and stay focused.

She determined to ignore the criticism and continue her work.

We managed to ignore the negativity and maintain a positive mindset.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• postpone

Example

He avoids ignoring his responsibilities and faces them head-on.

They consider ignoring the problem as a temporary solution.

Experts recommend ignoring negative comments on social media.

Do you mind ignoring the distractions and focusing on the task?

She postponed ignoring her health issues and sought medical help.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue
• stop
• remember

Example

I like to ignore unnecessary drama. I like ignoring unnecessary drama.

He began to ignore the negative opinions of others. He began ignoring the negative opinions of others.

We continue to ignore the haters and focus on our success. We continue ignoring the haters and focusing on our success.

She stopped to ignore the warning signs and faced the consequences. She stopped ignoring the warning signs and faced the consequences.

They remember to ignore negative thoughts and stay positive. They remember ignoring negative thoughts and staying positive.