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To Oblige vs Obliging 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 oblige (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promise to oblige your request.

Obliging (Gerund)

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

Example

Obliging others is a sign of kindness.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To oblige (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To oblige is the least I can do for you.

    To oblige is the least I can do for you.

    • "*To oblige*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the least I can do for you).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to oblige his demands.

    He wants me to oblige his demands.

    • "Me *to oblige* his demands" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to oblige* his demands).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a favor to oblige our friend.

    We need a favor to oblige our friend.

    • "*To oblige* our friend" modifies the noun "favor."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a favor *to oblige* our friend).

Obliging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Obliging others brings joy to my heart.

    Obliging others brings joy to my heart.

    • "*Obliging* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (joy to my heart).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys obliging her friends' requests.

    She enjoys obliging her friends' requests.

    • "*Obliging* her friends' requests" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*obliging* her friends' requests).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    We have a talent for obliging others.

    We have a talent for obliging others.

    • "For *obliging* others" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (We) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *obliging* others).

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 agreed to oblige their neighbors' request.

She refused to oblige their unreasonable demands.

He attempted to oblige his boss's orders.

I wish to oblige your kind invitation.

We decided to oblige their urgent plea.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I like obliging people who are in need.

They recommend obliging others without hesitation.

He avoids obliging unreasonable requests.

She considers obliging her customers a top priority.

Can you imagine yourself obliging everyone's requests?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

He helps to oblige his colleagues. He helps obliging his colleagues.

They permit us to oblige their requests. They permit us obliging their requests.

She continues to oblige her customers. She continues obliging her customers.

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