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To Imply vs Implying 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 imply (Infinitive)

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

Example

She didn't mean to imply that you were lying.

Implying (Gerund)

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

Example

Implying something without evidence is not fair.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To imply (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To imply such a thing would be unfair.

    To imply such a thing would be unfair.

    • "*To imply* such a thing" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (would be) + adjective (unfair).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to imply that he is innocent.

    He wants me to imply that he is innocent.

    • "Me *to imply* that he is innocent" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to imply* that he is innocent).
  • 3Adverb Modifier

    I need more information to imply the correct answer.

    I need more information to imply the correct answer.

    • "*To imply* the correct answer" modifies the noun "information."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (more information *to imply* the correct answer).

Implying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Implying his guilt was unfair.

    Implying his guilt was unfair.

    • "*Implying* his guilt" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (was) + adjective (unfair).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy implying that I know the secret.

    I enjoy implying that I know the secret.

    • "*Implying* that I know the secret" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*implying* that I know the secret).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for implying hidden meanings.

    She has a talent for implying hidden meanings.

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

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

They suggest to imply that she is guilty.

He refused to imply any wrongdoing.

We choose to imply a different meaning.

The teacher demanded to imply the correct solution.

I wish to imply that I am not interested.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They consider implying a different approach.

He denied implying any involvement.

We recommend implying your intentions clearly.

She avoids implying anything negative.

I understand the importance of implying trust.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I don't like to imply that you are wrong. I don't like implying that you are wrong.

They began to imply a different interpretation. They began implying a different interpretation.

She will continue to imply her innocence. She will continue implying her innocence.

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