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To Overlook vs Overlooking 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 overlook (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to overlook the details to get a better understanding.

Overlooking (Gerund)

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

Example

Overlooking the details can lead to serious consequences.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overlook (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To overlook is a common mistake in this process.

    To overlook is a common mistake in this process.

    • "*To overlook*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common mistake in this process).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to overlook the report before submitting it.

    She wants me to overlook the report before submitting it.

    • "Me *to overlook* the report before submitting it" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to overlook* the report before submitting it).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a fresh pair of eyes to overlook the document.

    We need a fresh pair of eyes to overlook the document.

    • "*To overlook* the document" modifies the noun "pair of eyes."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a fresh pair of eyes *to overlook* the document).

Overlooking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Overlooking small details is a common problem.

    Overlooking small details is a common problem.

    • "*Overlooking* small details" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common problem).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy overlooking the city skyline from my balcony.

    I enjoy overlooking the city skyline from my balcony.

    • "*Overlooking* the city skyline from my balcony" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*overlooking* the city skyline from my balcony).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of overlooking important details.

    She has a habit of overlooking important details.

    • "Of *overlooking* important details" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *overlooking* important details).

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 overlook the minor issues for now.

They hope to overlook any discrepancies during the audit.

He attempted to overlook the mistakes in the final draft.

She plans to overlook the details tomorrow morning.

They refused to overlook the errors in the report.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids overlooking any errors in his work.

They consider overlooking minor issues as part of the process.

I recommend double-checking to avoid overlooking anything.

Do you mind overlooking the discrepancies in the report?

She couldn't resist overlooking the beautiful scenery.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to overlook the final draft. I would like overlooking the final draft.

We started to overlook the minor details. We started overlooking the minor details.

He began to overlook the mistakes in the report. He began overlooking the mistakes in the report.

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