To Lack vs Lacking 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 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 motivation can lead to poor performance.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To lack (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  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).
• 2. Object

  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).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a plan to lack any details.

  I need a plan to lack any details.

  • "*To lack* any details" modifies the noun "plan."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to lack* any details).

Lacking (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Lacking confidence affects self-esteem.

  Lacking confidence affects self-esteem.

  • "*Lacking* confidence" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (affects) + noun phrase (self-esteem).
• 2. Object

  I dislike lacking support from my team.

  I dislike lacking support from my team.

  • "*Lacking* support from my team" is the object of the verb "dislike."
  • Noun (I) + verb (dislike) + gerund (*lacking* support from my team).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He has a fear of lacking opportunities.

  He has a fear of lacking opportunities.

  • "Of *lacking* opportunities" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + 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

• hope
• want
• decide
• refuse
• choose

Example

They hope not to lack resources for their project.

He wants not to lack opportunities in his career.

We decided not to lack preparation for the exam.

She refused to lack commitment to her goals.

I chose not to lack determination to succeed.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• postpone
• mind

Example

They avoid lacking clarity in their communication.

I am considering lacking any involvement in the project.

Experts recommend not lacking proper nutrition for a healthy lifestyle.

They postponed the decision, fearing lacking important information.

She doesn't mind lacking luxuries in exchange for experiences.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I don't like to lack support from my friends. I don't like lacking support from my friends.

He started to lack motivation in his job. He started lacking motivation in his job.

We began to lack confidence in our abilities. We began lacking confidence in our abilities.