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To Predispose vs Predisposing 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 predispose (Infinitive)

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

Example

Certain genetic factors may predispose individuals to develop certain diseases.

Predisposing (Gerund)

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

Example

Predisposing factors play a significant role in the development of certain diseases.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To predispose (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To predispose someone to addiction is a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors.

    To predispose someone to addiction is a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors.

    • "*To predispose* someone *to addiction*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (*to predispose* someone *to addiction*).
  • 2Object

    They want us to predispose the experiment participants to certain conditions.

    They want us to predispose the experiment participants to certain conditions.

    • "Us *to predispose* the experiment participants *to certain conditions*" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to predispose* the experiment participants *to certain conditions*).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a good diet to predispose me to a healthy lifestyle.

    I need a good diet to predispose me to a healthy lifestyle.

    • "*To predispose* me *to a healthy lifestyle*" modifies the noun "diet."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good diet *to predispose* me *to a healthy lifestyle*).

Predisposing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Predisposing factors include genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences.

    Predisposing factors include genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences.

    • "*Predisposing* factors" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (include) + noun phrase (genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy studying the predisposing factors of various health conditions.

    I enjoy studying the predisposing factors of various health conditions.

    • "Studying the *predisposing* factors *of various health conditions*" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (studying the *predisposing* factors *of various health conditions*).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a keen interest in the predisposing factors for mental illnesses.

    She has a keen interest in the predisposing factors for mental illnesses.

    • "For mental illnesses" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a keen interest in the *predisposing* factors *for mental illnesses*).

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 predispose herself to success by setting clear goals.

They hope to predispose their children to love reading from an early age.

He wants to predispose his employees to be proactive in problem-solving.

We decided to predispose the patients to a positive mindset for better recovery.

They agreed to predispose themselves to open-mindedness in order to foster innovation.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys studying the predisposing factors of different diseases.

They recommend avoiding predisposing behaviors for better health.

I dislike the idea of ignoring the predisposing factors of a medical condition.

He avoids exposing himself to predisposing factors for certain allergies.

Can you imagine the impact of ignoring the predisposing factors for chronic diseases?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to predispose herself to positive thinking. She likes studying the predisposing factors of diseases.

We started to predispose ourselves to a healthy lifestyle. We started exploring the predisposing factors of various disorders.

He began to predispose his children to artistic activities. He began researching the predisposing factors of mental health.

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