To Obey vs Obeying 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 obey (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to obey the rules of the school.

Obeying (Gerund)

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

Example

Obeying the rules is essential for a functioning society.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To obey (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To obey is a sign of respect.

  To obey is a sign of respect.

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

  She wants me to obey her instructions.

  She wants me to obey her instructions.

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

  I need a guide to obey during the hike.

  I need a guide to obey during the hike.

  • "*To obey* during the hike" modifies the noun "guide."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to obey* during the hike).

Obeying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Obeying the rules promotes safety.

  Obeying the rules promotes safety.

  • "*Obeying* the rules" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (promotes) + noun phrase (safety).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy obeying my parents' guidance.

  I enjoy obeying my parents' guidance.

  • "*Obeying* my parents' guidance" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*obeying* my parents' guidance).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of obeying authority.

  She has a habit of obeying authority.

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

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

• agree
• refuse
• want
• plan
• determine

Example

They agreed to obey the rules of the game.

He refuses to obey his parents' orders.

We want to obey the law and maintain order.

She plans to obey the traffic regulations at all times.

I am determined to obey the instructions given by my coach.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• resist

Example

They avoid obeying the rules and face consequences.

I am considering obeying the instructions given by the teacher.

Experts recommend obeying traffic laws for safety.

Do you mind obeying the dress code for the event?

She resists obeying the strict rules imposed by the government.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to obey the authority figures. I like obeying the authority figures.

They started to obey the new regulations. They started obeying the new regulations.

He began to obey his parents' instructions. He began obeying his parents' instructions.