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To Ironize vs Ironizing 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 ironize (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to ironize the situation to bring some humor into it.

Ironizing (Gerund)

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

Example

Ironizing is a way to criticize or mock something.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ironize (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ironize is a form of satire.

    To ironize is a form of satire.

    • "*To ironize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of satire).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ironize the conversation.

    She wants me to ironize the conversation.

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

    I need a witty remark to ironize the situation.

    I need a witty remark to ironize the situation.

    • "*To ironize* the situation" modifies the noun "remark."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a witty remark *to ironize* the situation).

Ironizing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Ironizing can be an effective tool in political commentary.

    Ironizing can be an effective tool in political commentary.

    • "*Ironizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (an effective tool in political commentary).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy ironizing about societal norms.

    I enjoy ironizing about societal norms.

    • "*Ironizing* about societal norms" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*ironizing* about societal norms).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for ironizing serious topics.

    He has a talent for ironizing serious topics.

    • "For *ironizing* serious topics" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *ironizing* serious topics).

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

He plans to ironize the speech during the event.

They hope to ironize the news in their next article.

She wants to ironize the serious topic in her presentation.

We decided to ironize the situation to lighten the mood.

They agreed to ironize the controversial issue in their podcast.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys ironizing about current events in her comedy routine.

They recommend ironizing controversial issues in order to spark critical thinking.

I dislike the idea of ironizing sensitive subjects.

He avoids ironizing people's personal experiences.

Can you imagine yourself ironizing public figures in your writing?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He likes to ironize serious topics. He likes ironizing serious topics.

We started to ironize social norms. We started ironizing social norms.

She began to ironize the absurdity of the situation. She began ironizing the absurdity of the situation.

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