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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 endeavor.

    To impart knowledge is a noble endeavor.

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

    She wants me to impart the information to the team.

    She wants me to impart the information to the team.

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

    I need a platform to impart my expertise.

    I need a platform to impart my expertise.

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

Imparting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Imparting knowledge is essential for personal growth.

    Imparting knowledge is essential for personal growth.

    • "*Imparting* knowledge" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for personal growth).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy imparting my wisdom to eager learners.

    I enjoy imparting my wisdom to eager learners.

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

    She has a passion for imparting knowledge.

    She has a passion for imparting knowledge.

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

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 wisdom to future generations.

They hope to impart valuable skills to the students.

He wants to impart his experience to the new recruits.

We decided to impart practical knowledge to the community.

They agreed to impart their knowledge collaboratively.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys imparting her expertise to aspiring professionals.

They recommend regular imparting of knowledge for personal development.

I dislike the idea of imparting incorrect information.

He avoids imparting biased opinions to his students.

Can you imagine yourself imparting wisdom to future generations?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

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

We started to impart our skills to the local community. We started imparting our skills to the local community.

He began to impart his wisdom to young entrepreneurs. He began imparting his wisdom to young entrepreneurs.

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