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To Ooze vs Oozing 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 ooze (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to ooze with confidence during my presentation.

Oozing (Gerund)

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

Example

Oozing can be a symptom of an infection.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To ooze (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To ooze is a natural process for some plants.

    To ooze is a natural process for some plants.

    • "*To ooze*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process for some plants).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to ooze charm at the party.

    She wants me to ooze charm at the party.

    • "Me *to ooze* charm at the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to ooze* charm at the party).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a bandage to ooze pus.

    I need a bandage to ooze pus.

    • "*To ooze* pus" modifies the noun "bandage."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bandage *to ooze* pus).

Oozing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Oozing is a common occurrence after surgery.

    Oozing is a common occurrence after surgery.

    • "*Oozing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common occurrence after surgery).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy oozing creativity through my artwork.

    I enjoy oozing creativity through my artwork.

    • "*Oozing* creativity through my artwork" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*oozing* creativity through my artwork).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of oozing blood.

    She has a fear of oozing blood.

    • "Of *oozing* blood" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *oozing* blood).

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

He plans to ooze confidence during the interview.

We hope to ooze creativity in our artwork.

They want to ooze with enthusiasm during the performance.

I decided to ooze positivity in every situation.

She agreed to ooze determination in achieving her goals.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys oozing with confidence on stage.

Doctors recommend seeking medical help for excessive oozing.

I dislike the feeling of oozing sweat during a workout.

They avoid oozing negative energy in their relationships.

Can you imagine yourself oozing charisma in front of a crowd?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to ooze with style and elegance. She likes oozing with style and elegance.

We started to ooze confidence in our abilities. We started oozing confidence in our abilities.

He began to ooze charm and charisma. He began oozing charm and charisma.

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