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To Overcompensate vs Overcompensating 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 overcompensate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to overcompensate for my mistakes by working extra hard.

Overcompensating (Gerund)

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

Example

Overcompensating can lead to imbalance in one's life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overcompensate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To overcompensate is not always the best solution to a problem.

    To overcompensate is not always the best solution to a problem.

    • "*To overcompensate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adverb phrase (not always the best solution to a problem).
  • 2Object

    She expects me to overcompensate for her absence.

    She expects me to overcompensate for her absence.

    • "Me *to overcompensate* for her absence" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (me *to overcompensate* for her absence).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a plan to overcompensate for the loss.

    I need a plan to overcompensate for the loss.

    • "*To overcompensate* for the loss" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to overcompensate* for the loss).

Overcompensating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Overcompensating is a common response to feelings of inadequacy.

    Overcompensating is a common response to feelings of inadequacy.

    • "*Overcompensating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common response to feelings of inadequacy).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy overcompensating for my mistakes.

    I enjoy overcompensating for my mistakes.

    • "*Overcompensating* for my mistakes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overcompensating* for my mistakes).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a habit of overcompensating for his insecurities.

    He has a habit of overcompensating for his insecurities.

    • "Of *overcompensating* for his insecurities" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *overcompensating* for his insecurities).

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

We decided to overcompensate for our mistakes by working overtime.

He attempted to overcompensate for his previous failures.

They determined to overcompensate for their lack of preparation.

I wish to overcompensate for my past shortcomings.

She demanded to overcompensate for the inconvenience caused.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids overcompensating for small errors.

Do you mind overcompensating for your team's mistakes?

They are considering overcompensating for the lack of resources.

I recommend overcompensating for any potential setbacks.

He understands the importance of overcompensating in certain situations.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to overcompensate for her weaknesses. She likes overcompensating for her weaknesses.

We began to overcompensate after our initial failure. We began overcompensating after our initial failure.

He continues to overcompensate for his past mistakes. He continues overcompensating for his past mistakes.

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