When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To lack (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to lack" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to lack confidence in myself.
Lacking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "lacking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Lacking confidence can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To lack (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To lack motivation is a common problem.
To lack motivation is a common problem.
- "*To lack* motivation" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common problem).
- 2Object
She doesn't want me to lack support.
She doesn't want me to lack support.
- "Me *to lack* support" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
- Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to lack* support).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a plan to lack any confusion.
I need a plan to lack any confusion.
- "*To lack* any confusion" modifies the noun "plan."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to lack* any confusion).
Lacking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Lacking experience is a disadvantage in this field.
Lacking experience is a disadvantage in this field.
- "*Lacking* experience" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a disadvantage in this field).
- 2Object
I dislike lacking support from others.
I dislike lacking support from others.
- "*Lacking* support from others" is the object of the verb "dislike."
- Noun (I) + verb (dislike) + gerund (*lacking* support from others).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of lacking opportunities.
She has a fear of lacking opportunities.
- "Of *lacking* opportunities" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *lacking* opportunities).
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 wants to lack nothing in his life.
They hope to lack any obstacles on their journey.
We chose to lack any regrets in our decision.
She will try not to lack determination in her pursuits.
I wish to lack nothing but happiness in my future.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He considered lacking any necessary skills.
They recommend avoiding lacking proper preparation.
I don't mind lacking material possessions.
She avoids lacking confidence in public speaking.
Can you imagine lacking basic necessities for survival?
