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To Possess vs Possessing 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 possess (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to possess a collection of rare books.

Possessing (Gerund)

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

Example

Possessing good communication skills is essential in today's workplace.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To possess (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To possess knowledge is empowering.

    To possess knowledge is empowering.

    • "*To possess* knowledge" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (knowledge).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to possess the latest gadgets.

    She wants me to possess the latest gadgets.

    • "Me *to possess* the latest gadgets" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to possess* the latest gadgets).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a safe to possess his valuable possessions.

    He needs a safe to possess his valuable possessions.

    • "*To possess* his valuable possessions" modifies the noun "safe."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a safe *to possess* his valuable possessions).

Possessing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Possessing a positive attitude can lead to success.

    Possessing a positive attitude can lead to success.

    • "*Possessing* a positive attitude" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (success).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy possessing unique artworks.

    I enjoy possessing unique artworks.

    • "*Possessing* unique artworks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*possessing* unique artworks).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for possessing rare collectibles.

    She has a passion for possessing rare collectibles.

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

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 possess a new car for our family.

They hope to possess a beautiful house in the countryside.

He chose to possess a small business rather than working for someone else.

She managed to possess all the necessary documents for the application.

The customers demand to possess high-quality products.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys possessing a wide range of musical instruments.

Experts recommend possessing multiple language skills for better job prospects.

They avoid possessing unnecessary clutter in their living space.

I am considering possessing a pet dog for companionship.

Can you imagine yourself possessing extraordinary artistic talents?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to possess antique furniture. She likes possessing antique furniture.

We started to possess valuable collectibles. We started possessing valuable collectibles.

He began to possess rare stamps. He began possessing rare stamps.

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