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To Impart vs Imparting Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To impart (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to impart my knowledge to others.

Imparting (Gerund)

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

Example

Imparting knowledge is a fulfilling experience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To impart (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To impart knowledge is a noble pursuit.

    To impart knowledge is a noble pursuit.

    • "*To impart* knowledge" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (knowledge).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to impart my skills to her.

    She wants me to impart my skills to her.

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

    I need a platform to impart my wisdom.

    I need a platform to impart my wisdom.

    • "*To impart* my wisdom" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to impart* my wisdom).

Imparting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Imparting knowledge requires patience and clarity.

    Imparting knowledge requires patience and clarity.

    • "*Imparting* knowledge" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (patience and clarity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy imparting my expertise to young professionals.

    I enjoy imparting my expertise to young professionals.

    • "*Imparting* my expertise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*imparting* my expertise).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for imparting wisdom to others.

    She has a passion for imparting wisdom to others.

    • "For *imparting* wisdom to others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *imparting* wisdom to others).

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

She plans to impart her knowledge to the students tomorrow.

They hope to impart valuable lessons during the workshop.

He wants to impart his expertise in the field.

We decided to impart our knowledge through online courses.

They agreed to impart their skills to the team members.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys imparting knowledge to her students.

They recommend regular imparting of skills for personal growth.

I dislike the idea of imparting information without proper understanding.

He avoids imparting false information to his clients.

Can you imagine yourself imparting your wisdom to a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to impart her knowledge to eager learners. She likes imparting her knowledge to eager learners.

We started to impart our expertise to young professionals. We started imparting our expertise to young professionals.

He began to impart his wisdom to the next generation. He began imparting his wisdom to the next generation.

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