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To Negate vs Negating 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 negate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to negate the importance of hard work.

Negating (Gerund)

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

Example

Negating others' opinions is not respectful.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To negate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To negate is not a viable solution.

    To negate is not a viable solution.

    • "*To negate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is not) + noun phrase (a viable solution).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to negate the argument.

    She wants me to negate the argument.

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

    I need a valid reason to negate their proposal.

    I need a valid reason to negate their proposal.

    • "*To negate* their proposal" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid reason *to negate* their proposal).

Negating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Negating their ideas is counterproductive.

    Negating their ideas is counterproductive.

    • "*Negating* their ideas" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (counterproductive).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy negating false claims.

    I enjoy negating false claims.

    • "*Negating* false claims" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*negating* false claims).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for negating arguments.

    She has a talent for negating arguments.

    • "For *negating* arguments" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *negating* arguments).

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

They refuse to negate their principles.

He attempts to negate the effects of aging.

We choose to negate any negative influences.

She struggles to negate the impact of her past.

The protestors demand to negate the new policy.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids negating other people's ideas.

They consider negating the evidence provided.

I recommend negating unnecessary risks.

Let's postpone negating the proposal until tomorrow.

She resists negating her own values.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like to negate false assumptions. I like negating false assumptions.

They started to negate the negative comments. They started negating the negative comments.

He began to negate the harmful effects. He began negating the harmful effects.

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