To Invoke vs Invoking 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 invoke (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to invoke the power of positivity in my life.

Invoking (Gerund)

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

Example

Invoking the gods was a common practice in ancient civilizations.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To invoke (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To invoke is a common practice in many spiritual traditions.

  To invoke is a common practice in many spiritual traditions.

  • "*To invoke*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in many spiritual traditions).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to invoke good luck for her.

  She wants me to invoke good luck for her.

  • "Me *to invoke* good luck for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to invoke* good luck for her).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a mantra to invoke peace and calmness.

  I need a mantra to invoke peace and calmness.

  • "*To invoke* peace and calmness" modifies the noun "mantra."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a mantra *to invoke* peace and calmness).

Invoking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Invoking deities was an important part of religious rituals.

  Invoking deities was an important part of religious rituals.

  • "*Invoking* deities" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (was) + noun phrase (an important part of religious rituals).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy invoking positive affirmations every day.

  I enjoy invoking positive affirmations every day.

  • "*Invoking* positive affirmations every day" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*invoking* positive affirmations every day).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for invoking emotions through her art.

  She has a talent for invoking emotions through her art.

  • "For *invoking* emotions through her art" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *invoking* emotions through her art).

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

• hope
• decide
• choose
• attempt
• struggle

Example

They hope to invoke positive energy during their meditation.

We decided to invoke the blessings of the divine.

He chose to invoke the spirits for guidance.

I attempted to invoke the muse for inspiration.

They struggled to invoke the courage to face their fears.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• resist
• understand

Example

They recommend invoking the power of gratitude for happiness.

He avoids invoking negative thoughts in his mind.

I am considering invoking the help of a mentor.

She resists invoking past grievances in her relationships.

Can you understand the importance of invoking positive energy?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to invoke the spirits for guidance. She likes invoking positive vibes in her surroundings.

We began to invoke the power of healing. We began invoking the blessings of the universe.

He continues to invoke the support of his ancestors. He continues invoking divine intervention.