To Prepose vs Preposing 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 prepose (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to prepose a new idea for the project.

Preposing (Gerund)

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

Example

Preposing is a common technique used in linguistics.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prepose (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To prepose is a strategic move in negotiations.

  To prepose is a strategic move in negotiations.

  • "*To prepose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a strategic move in negotiations).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to prepose a solution to the problem.

  She wants me to prepose a solution to the problem.

  • "Me *to prepose* a solution to the problem" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to prepose* a solution to the problem).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a platform to prepose our ideas.

  We need a platform to prepose our ideas.

  • "*To prepose* our ideas" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to prepose* our ideas).

Preposing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Preposing can add emphasis to a sentence.

  Preposing can add emphasis to a sentence.

  • "*Preposing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (emphasis to a sentence).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy preposing new ideas in our meetings.

  I enjoy preposing new ideas in our meetings.

  • "*Preposing* new ideas in our meetings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*preposing* new ideas in our meetings).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for preposing thought-provoking questions.

  She has a talent for preposing thought-provoking questions.

  • "For *preposing* thought-provoking questions" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *preposing* thought-provoking questions).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to prepose a new strategy at the meeting.

I hope to prepose a compromise that satisfies everyone.

He wants to prepose a different approach to the problem.

We decided to prepose a motion for discussion.

They agreed to prepose a joint venture partnership.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys preposing challenging scenarios in the classroom.

They recommend preposing key points in your presentation.

I dislike the practice of preposing irrelevant information.

She avoids preposing controversial topics in discussions.

Can you imagine yourself preposing a groundbreaking theory?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to prepose alternative solutions. She likes preposing alternative solutions.

We started to prepose new ideas. We started preposing new ideas.

He began to prepose his research findings. He began preposing his research findings.