To Outspread vs Outspreading 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 outspread (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to outspread my wings and fly high in the sky.

Outspreading (Gerund)

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

Example

Outspreading wings is a beautiful sight to behold.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To outspread (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To outspread is a natural instinct for birds.

  To outspread is a natural instinct for birds.

  • "*To outspread*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural instinct for birds).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to outspread my creativity.

  She wants me to outspread my creativity.

  • "Me *to outspread* my creativity" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to outspread* my creativity).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a canvas to outspread my ideas.

  I need a canvas to outspread my ideas.

  • "*To outspread* my ideas" modifies the noun "canvas."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a canvas *to outspread* my ideas).

Outspreading (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Outspreading wings is a common behavior among birds.

  Outspreading wings is a common behavior among birds.

  • "*Outspreading* wings" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common behavior among birds).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy outspreading my ideas through writing.

  I enjoy outspreading my ideas through writing.

  • "*Outspreading* my ideas through writing" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*outspreading* my ideas through writing).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for outspreading positivity.

  She has a passion for outspreading positivity.

  • "For *outspreading* positivity" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *outspreading* positivity).

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

• hope
• want
• decide
• choose
• determine

Example

They hope to outspread their influence in the community.

He wants to outspread his knowledge to others.

We decided to outspread our wings and explore new horizons.

She chose to outspread her message through social media.

I determined to outspread my network and build connections.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• imagine
• avoid
• consider

Example

She enjoys outspreading her creativity through art.

They recommend regular outspreading of kindness for a better world.

Can you imagine yourself outspreading your wings and flying freely?

He avoids outspreading negativity in his interactions.

I am considering outspreading my business to new markets.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to outspread her wings and soar in the sky. She likes outspreading her wings and soaring in the sky.

We began to outspread our knowledge and share it with others. We began outspreading our knowledge and sharing it with others.

He continues to outspread his influence in the industry. He continues outspreading his influence in the industry.