When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To insinuate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to insinuate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I didn't mean to insinuate anything with my comment.
Insinuating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "insinuating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Insinuating can lead to misunderstandings.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To insinuate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To insinuate is not an appropriate way to communicate.
To insinuate is not an appropriate way to communicate.
- "*To insinuate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not an appropriate way to communicate).
- 2Object
He wants me to insinuate his intentions to the team.
He wants me to insinuate his intentions to the team.
- "Me *to insinuate* his intentions to the team" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to insinuate* his intentions to the team).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a subtle way to insinuate my dissatisfaction.
I need a subtle way to insinuate my dissatisfaction.
- "*To insinuate* my dissatisfaction" modifies the noun "way."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a subtle way *to insinuate* my dissatisfaction).
Insinuating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Insinuating is not appreciated in professional settings.
Insinuating is not appreciated in professional settings.
- "*Insinuating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not appreciated in professional settings).
- 2Object
I enjoy insinuating my point in a subtle manner.
I enjoy insinuating my point in a subtle manner.
- "*Insinuating* my point in a subtle manner" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*insinuating* my point in a subtle manner).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for insinuating motives.
She has a talent for insinuating motives.
- "For *insinuating* motives" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *insinuating* motives).
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 insinuate her opinion during the meeting.
They hope to insinuate their ideas without being too direct.
He wants to insinuate his authority in the workplace.
We decided to insinuate a change in strategy.
They agreed to insinuate their disagreement subtly.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys insinuating subtle hints during conversations.
They recommend avoiding insinuating accusations without evidence.
I dislike the practice of insinuating ulterior motives.
He avoids insinuating negative assumptions about others.
Can you imagine yourself insinuating false information?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to insinuate hidden meanings in her writing. She likes insinuating hidden meanings in her writing.
We started to insinuate doubts about his credibility. We started insinuating doubts about his credibility.
He began to insinuate suspicion among his colleagues. He began insinuating suspicion among his colleagues.
