To Overstep vs Overstepping 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 overstep (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to overstep my boundaries.

Overstepping (Gerund)

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

Example

Overstepping can lead to serious consequences.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To overstep (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To overstep is a violation of the rules.

  To overstep is a violation of the rules.

  • "*To overstep*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a violation of the rules).
• 2. Object

  She doesn't want me to overstep my authority.

  She doesn't want me to overstep my authority.

  • "Me *to overstep* my authority" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
  • Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to overstep* my authority).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a reminder to not overstep his boundaries.

  He needs a reminder to not overstep his boundaries.

  • "*To not overstep* his boundaries" modifies the noun "reminder."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reminder *to not overstep* his boundaries).

Overstepping (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Overstepping is a sign of disrespect.

  Overstepping is a sign of disrespect.

  • "*Overstepping*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of disrespect).
• 2. Object

  I regret overstepping my boundaries in that situation.

  I regret overstepping my boundaries in that situation.

  • "*Overstepping* my boundaries" is the object of the verb "regret."
  • Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*overstepping* my boundaries).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They are guilty of overstepping the rules.

  They are guilty of overstepping the rules.

  • "*Overstepping* the rules" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (are guilty of) + noun phrase (*overstepping* the rules).

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

• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• demand
• pretend

Example

We decided to overstep the line and take the risk.

They refuse to overstep their ethical boundaries.

He attempted to overstep the boundaries set by the company.

The protesters demand to overstep the limits of free speech.

She pretends to overstep her authority to assert dominance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• deny
• resist

Example

She avoids overstepping her authority in order to maintain harmony.

We are considering overstepping the boundaries for the greater good.

Experts recommend overstepping your comfort zone to grow.

He denies overstepping any boundaries during the negotiation.

They resist overstepping the limits of their power.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I don't like to overstep the boundaries of privacy. I don't like overstepping the boundaries of privacy.

He began to overstep the rules without hesitation. He began overstepping the rules without hesitation.

They continue to overstep their authority despite warnings. They continue overstepping their authority despite warnings.