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To Prognosticate vs Prognosticating 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 prognosticate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to prognosticate the outcome of the game.

Prognosticating (Gerund)

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

Example

Prognosticating can be a fun hobby for some people.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prognosticate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To prognosticate is a challenging skill to master.

    To prognosticate is a challenging skill to master.

    • "*To prognosticate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging skill to master).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to prognosticate the future.

    She wants me to prognosticate the future.

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

    I need a crystal ball to prognosticate accurately.

    I need a crystal ball to prognosticate accurately.

    • "*To prognosticate* accurately" modifies the noun "crystal ball."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a crystal ball *to prognosticate* accurately).

Prognosticating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Prognosticating requires careful analysis and observation.

    Prognosticating requires careful analysis and observation.

    • "*Prognosticating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful analysis and observation).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy prognosticating future trends.

    I enjoy prognosticating future trends.

    • "*Prognosticating* future trends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*prognosticating* future trends).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He has a talent for prognosticating upcoming events.

    He has a talent for prognosticating upcoming events.

    • "For *prognosticating* upcoming events" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *prognosticating* upcoming 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

He plans to prognosticate the weather for the weekend.

They hope to prognosticate the stock market trends.

She wants to prognosticate the outcome of the election.

We decided to prognosticate the future of our business.

They agreed to prognosticate the success of the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys prognosticating the outcomes of sports matches.

They recommend regular prognosticating for better decision-making.

I dislike the idea of prognosticating without sufficient information.

He avoids prognosticating controversial topics.

Can you imagine yourself prognosticating the future?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to prognosticate using tarot cards. She likes prognosticating using tarot cards.

We started to prognosticate the weather patterns. We started prognosticating the weather patterns.

He began to prognosticate the outcome of football games. He began prognosticating the outcome of football games.

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