To Obviate vs Obviating 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 obviate (Infinitive)

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

Example

We need to obviate any potential risks before proceeding with the project.

Obviating (Gerund)

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

Example

Obviating risks is crucial for the success of the project.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To obviate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To obviate is our main goal in this situation.

  To obviate is our main goal in this situation.

  • "*To obviate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (our main goal in this situation).
• 2. Object

  They want us to obviate any issues that may arise.

  They want us to obviate any issues that may arise.

  • "Us *to obviate* any issues that may arise" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to obviate* any issues that may arise).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a solution to obviate these problems.

  We need a solution to obviate these problems.

  • "*To obviate* these problems" modifies the noun "solution."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to obviate* these problems).

Obviating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Obviating risks requires careful planning and execution.

  Obviating risks requires careful planning and execution.

  • "*Obviating* risks" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and execution).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy obviating potential problems before they occur.

  I enjoy obviating potential problems before they occur.

  • "*Obviating* potential problems before they occur" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*obviating* potential problems before they occur).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for obviating obstacles in her path.

  She has a talent for obviating obstacles in her path.

  • "For *obviating* obstacles in her path" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *obviating* obstacles in her path).

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

She plans to obviate any potential errors in the design phase.

They hope to obviate any delays in the production process.

He wants to obviate any misunderstandings in the communication.

We decided to obviate any possible conflicts during the meeting.

They agreed to obviate any unnecessary expenses in the budget.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys obviating any potential risks in her projects.

They recommend obviating unnecessary steps in the process.

I dislike the idea of obviating important details in the plan.

He avoids obviating responsibilities in his role.

Can you imagine yourself obviating all obstacles in your way?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to obviate any potential issues before they become problems. She likes obviating risks to ensure smooth operations.

We started to obviate any potential roadblocks early on. We started obviating obstacles to maintain efficiency.

He began to obviate any potential conflicts within the team. He began obviating challenges to foster collaboration.