To Obliterate vs Obliterating 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 obliterate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to obliterate all evidence of my past mistakes.

Obliterating (Gerund)

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

Example

Obliterating the enemy's defenses is crucial for victory.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To obliterate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To obliterate is his only goal in this mission.

  To obliterate is his only goal in this mission.

  • "*To obliterate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his only goal in this mission).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to obliterate any trace of our conversation.

  She wants me to obliterate any trace of our conversation.

  • "Me *to obliterate* any trace of our conversation" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to obliterate* any trace of our conversation).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a powerful weapon to obliterate the enemy's defenses.

  We need a powerful weapon to obliterate the enemy's defenses.

  • "*To obliterate* the enemy's defenses" modifies the noun "weapon."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a powerful weapon *to obliterate* the enemy's defenses).

Obliterating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Obliterating the competition requires strategic planning.

  Obliterating the competition requires strategic planning.

  • "*Obliterating* the competition" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strategic planning).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy obliterating my opponents in the game.

  I enjoy obliterating my opponents in the game.

  • "*Obliterating* my opponents in the game" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*obliterating* my opponents in the game).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They are experts at obliterating obstacles.

  They are experts at obliterating obstacles.

  • "At *obliterating* obstacles" is the object of the preposition "at."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are) + noun phrase (experts at *obliterating* obstacles).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to obliterate the enemy's base before sunrise.

I hope to obliterate all traces of my past failures.

He wants to obliterate any evidence of wrongdoing.

She decided to obliterate the old files to make space.

We agreed to obliterate all records of our secret mission.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

He enjoys obliterating his opponents with powerful moves.

I recommend obliterating all unnecessary files for better organization.

She avoids obliterating relationships with her harsh words.

Can you imagine yourself obliterating your fears and doubts?

They are considering obliterating the outdated policies.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to obliterate any obstacles that come my way. I like obliterating any obstacles that come my way.

He started to obliterate the enemy's forces. He started obliterating the enemy's forces.

We began to obliterate the old traditions. We began obliterating the old traditions.