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To Unearth vs Unearthing 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 unearth (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to unearth the hidden treasure.

Unearthing (Gerund)

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

Example

Unearthing secrets can be thrilling.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unearth (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To unearth ancient artifacts requires careful excavation.

    To unearth ancient artifacts requires careful excavation.

    • "*To unearth*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful excavation).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to unearth the buried treasure.

    She wants me to unearth the buried treasure.

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

    He needs a metal detector to unearth valuable relics.

    He needs a metal detector to unearth valuable relics.

    • "*To unearth* valuable relics" modifies the noun "metal detector."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a metal detector *to unearth* valuable relics).

Unearthing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Unearthing buried treasure requires patience and expertise.

    Unearthing buried treasure requires patience and expertise.

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

    I enjoy unearthing ancient artifacts.

    I enjoy unearthing ancient artifacts.

    • "*Unearthing* ancient artifacts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*unearthing* ancient artifacts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for unearthing historical mysteries.

    She has a passion for unearthing historical mysteries.

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

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 plan to unearth the ancient ruins next year.

I hope to unearth some dinosaur fossils during my expedition.

We want to unearth the lost city of Atlantis.

He decided to unearth the buried treasure himself.

They agreed to unearth the historical artifacts together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys unearthing hidden treasures in remote locations.

Experts recommend unearthing archaeological sites with caution.

She dislikes the idea of unearthing human remains.

They avoid unearthing ancient tombs without proper authorization.

Can you imagine the excitement of unearthing a long-lost civilization?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to unearth buried treasures. They like unearthing buried treasures.

He started to unearth archaeological artifacts. He started unearthing archaeological artifacts.

She began to unearth ancient relics. She began unearthing ancient relics.

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