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To Neglect vs Neglecting 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 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 personal hygiene can lead to health problems.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To neglect (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To neglect is a form of neglect.

    To neglect is a form of neglect.

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

    She wants me to neglect my studies.

    She wants me to neglect my studies.

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

    I have no reason to neglect my health.

    I have no reason to neglect my health.

    • "*To neglect* my health" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (no reason *to neglect* my health).

Neglecting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Neglecting your duties is unprofessional.

    Neglecting your duties is unprofessional.

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

    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).
  • 3Object 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

Example

She plans to neglect her chores tomorrow.

They hope to neglect their duties during their vacation.

He wants to neglect his obligations at home.

We decided to neglect our responsibilities this weekend.

They agreed to neglect their tasks together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys neglecting her personal appearance every day.

They recommend avoiding neglecting your mental health.

I dislike the idea of neglecting my relationships.

He avoids neglecting his financial obligations.

Can you imagine yourself neglecting your pets?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to neglect her household chores. She likes neglecting her household chores.

We started to neglect our self-care routines. We started neglecting our self-care routines.

He began to neglect his work responsibilities. He began neglecting his work responsibilities.

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