To Neglect vs Neglecting 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 neglect (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to neglect my responsibilities at work.

Neglecting (Gerund)

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

Example

Neglecting your obligations can have serious consequences.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To neglect (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To neglect is a form of negligence.

  To neglect is a form of negligence.

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

  She wants me to neglect my duties.

  She wants me to neglect my duties.

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

  He needs a reminder to neglect his personal goals.

  He needs a reminder to neglect his personal goals.

  • "*To neglect* his personal goals" modifies the noun "reminder."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reminder *to neglect* his personal goals).

Neglecting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Neglecting your duties is unprofessional.

  Neglecting your duties is unprofessional.

  • "*Neglecting*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (unprofessional).
• 2. Object

  I dislike neglecting my household chores.

  I dislike neglecting my household chores.

  • "*Neglecting* my household chores" is the object of the verb "dislike."
  • Noun (I) + verb (dislike) + gerund (*neglecting* my household chores).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of neglecting her responsibilities.

  She has a habit of neglecting her responsibilities.

  • "Of *neglecting* her responsibilities" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *neglecting* her responsibilities).

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

• promise
• refuse
• attempt
• choose
• manage

Example

They promised not to neglect their friendship.

She refuses to neglect her health and well-being.

He attempted to neglect his responsibilities, but failed.

We chose not to neglect our family time.

They managed not to neglect their studies while working part-time.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids neglecting his personal hygiene.

They consider neglecting their education a big mistake.

I recommend against neglecting regular exercise.

Do you mind neglecting your hobbies for a while?

Can you imagine neglecting your pet's needs?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to neglect her responsibilities. She likes neglecting her responsibilities.

We began to neglect our duties. We began neglecting our duties.

He continues to neglect his work. He continues neglecting his work.