To Inter vs Intering Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To inter (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to inter with their personal affairs.

Intering (Gerund)

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

Example

Intering is not always welcomed in every situation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To inter (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To inter is a common practice in some cultures.

  To inter is a common practice in some cultures.

  • "*To inter*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in some cultures).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to inter in their conversation.

  She wants me to inter in their conversation.

  • "Me *to inter* in their conversation" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to inter* in their conversation).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a valid reason to inter in their dispute.

  I need a valid reason to inter in their dispute.

  • "*To inter* in their dispute" modifies the noun "reason."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to inter* in their dispute).

Intering (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Intering can be seen as intrusive behavior.

  Intering can be seen as intrusive behavior.

  • "*Intering*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be seen) + noun phrase (as intrusive behavior).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy intering in their discussions.

  I enjoy intering in their discussions.

  • "*Intering* in their discussions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*intering* in their discussions).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for intering in other people's business.

  She has a knack for intering in other people's business.

  • "For *intering* in other people's business" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *intering* in other people's business).

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

• plan
• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• wish

Example

They plan to inter in the negotiation process.

We decided to inter in their relationship issues.

He refuses to inter with their decision-making.

She attempted to inter in their family matters.

I wish to inter in their financial affairs.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• delay
• deny

Example

He avoids intering in sensitive matters.

They consider intering as disrespectful.

Experts recommend avoiding unnecessary intering.

I suggest intering at a later time.

She denies intering in their personal affairs.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

They like to inter in every conversation. They like intering in every conversation.

We started to inter in their dispute. We started intering in their dispute.

He began to inter in their relationship. He began intering in their relationship.