To Intervene vs Intervening 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 intervene (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to intervene in the conflict to bring about peace.

Intervening (Gerund)

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

Example

Intervening in conflicts is an important role of a mediator.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To intervene (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To intervene is necessary in this situation.

  To intervene is necessary in this situation.

  • "*To intervene*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (necessary).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to intervene in the argument.

  She wants me to intervene in the argument.

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

  We need a mediator to intervene and resolve the dispute.

  We need a mediator to intervene and resolve the dispute.

  • "*To intervene* and resolve the dispute" modifies the noun "mediator."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mediator *to intervene* and resolve the dispute).

Intervening (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Intervening can lead to positive outcomes.

  Intervening can lead to positive outcomes.

  • "*Intervening*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (positive outcomes).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy intervening in difficult situations.

  I enjoy intervening in difficult situations.

  • "*Intervening* in difficult situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*intervening* in difficult situations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have experience in intervening during crises.

  They have experience in intervening during crises.

  • "In *intervening* during crises" is the object of the preposition "in."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (experience in *intervening* during crises).

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

• decide
• agree
• plan
• hope
• refuse

Example

They decided to intervene in the conflict to prevent further violence.

The parties involved agreed to intervene for a peaceful resolution.

We are planning to intervene in the crisis next week.

She hopes to intervene and mediate between the two sides.

He refused to intervene in the dispute due to lack of authority.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• postpone
• deny

Example

Experts recommend proactive intervening to prevent conflicts from escalating.

It is important to avoid unnecessary intervening in personal matters.

We are considering intervening in the situation to maintain peace.

They decided to postpone intervening until all facts are gathered.

The organization denied intervening in the political affairs of the country.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to intervene in disputes and find resolutions. She likes intervening in disputes and finding resolutions.

We started to intervene when the situation became critical. We started intervening when the situation became critical.

He began to intervene after careful consideration. He began intervening after careful consideration.