When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To proffer (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to proffer" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I refuse to proffer my opinion on the matter.
Proffering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "proffering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Proffering advice can be helpful in certain situations.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To proffer (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To proffer a solution is essential in problem-solving.
To proffer a solution is essential in problem-solving.
- "*To proffer* a solution" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential in problem-solving).
- 2Object
He wants me to proffer my assistance.
He wants me to proffer my assistance.
- "Me *to proffer* my assistance" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to proffer* my assistance).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a willing volunteer to proffer their help.
We need a willing volunteer to proffer their help.
- "*To proffer* their help" modifies the noun "volunteer."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a willing volunteer *to proffer* their help).
Proffering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Proffering solutions is part of my job.
Proffering solutions is part of my job.
- "*Proffering* solutions" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (part of my job).
- 2Object
She enjoys proffering her assistance to others.
She enjoys proffering her assistance to others.
- "*Proffering* her assistance to others" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*proffering* her assistance to others).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have a knack for proffering practical solutions.
They have a knack for proffering practical solutions.
- "For *proffering* practical solutions" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a knack for *proffering* practical solutions).
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
They agreed to proffer their services for free.
We determined to proffer our support to the cause.
She pretended to proffer her expertise in the field.
He wished to proffer his condolences to the family.
They demanded to proffer an explanation for the delay.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
We are considering proffering our support to the organization.
I highly recommend proffering your ideas during the meeting.
He avoids proffering his opinion on controversial topics.
Can you imagine yourself proffering a solution to the problem?
She couldn't resist proffering her help when she saw the situation.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to proffer my assistance. I would like proffering my assistance.
We began to proffer our services to the community. We began proffering our services to the community.
He will try to proffer a solution to the problem. He will try proffering a solution to the problem.
