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To Partake vs Partaking 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 partake (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to partake in the festivities and celebrate with everyone.

Partaking (Gerund)

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

Example

Partaking in the festivities brings joy to everyone.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To partake (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To partake is a great way to experience different cultures.

    To partake is a great way to experience different cultures.

    • "*To partake*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to experience different cultures).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to partake in the project.

    She wants me to partake in the project.

    • "Me *to partake* in the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to partake* in the project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a delicious dish to partake in the feast.

    I need a delicious dish to partake in the feast.

    • "*To partake* in the feast" modifies the noun "dish."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a delicious dish *to partake* in the feast).

Partaking (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Partaking is a common tradition during the holiday season.

    Partaking is a common tradition during the holiday season.

    • "*Partaking*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common tradition during the holiday season).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy partaking in the celebrations.

    I enjoy partaking in the celebrations.

    • "*Partaking* in the celebrations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*partaking* in the celebrations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for partaking in cultural events.

    She has a passion for partaking in cultural events.

    • "For *partaking* in cultural events" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *partaking* in cultural events).

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

She plans to partake in the event next week.

They hope to partake in the traditional ceremony.

He wants to partake in the adventure.

We decided to partake in the charity event.

They agreed to partake in the group activity together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys partaking in various activities during the festival.

They recommend partaking in the local cuisine for a unique experience.

I dislike the idea of partaking in extreme sports.

He avoids partaking in risky adventures.

Can you imagine yourself partaking in the ancient traditions?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to partake in cultural exchanges. She likes partaking in cultural exchanges.

We started to partake in the annual event. We started partaking in the annual event.

He began to partake in the local customs. He began partaking in the local customs.

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