To Be Propelled vs Propelling 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 be propelled (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to be propelled by my dreams and ambitions.

Propelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Propelling oneself requires dedication and hard work.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To be propelled (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To be propelled is essential for success in life.

  To be propelled is essential for success in life.

  • "*To be propelled*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for success in life).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to be propelled towards my goals.

  She wants me to be propelled towards my goals.

  • "Me *to be propelled* towards my goals" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to be propelled* towards my goals).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong motivation to be propelled forward.

  I need a strong motivation to be propelled forward.

  • "*To be propelled* forward" modifies the noun "motivation."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong motivation *to be propelled* forward).

Propelling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Propelling oneself can lead to great achievements.

  Propelling oneself can lead to great achievements.

  • "*Propelling* oneself" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (great achievements).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy propelling others towards their goals.

  I enjoy propelling others towards their goals.

  • "*Propelling* others towards their goals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*propelling* others towards their goals).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for propelling teams to victory.

  She has a talent for propelling teams to victory.

  • "For *propelling* teams to victory" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *propelling* teams to victory).

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

She plans to be propelled to new heights in her career.

They hope to be propelled towards their dreams and aspirations.

He wants to be propelled by his passion and determination.

We decided to be propelled by our desire for success.

They agreed to be propelled together towards their common goal.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys propelling herself to new challenges.

They recommend regular propelling of one's own growth and development.

I dislike the idea of propelling others towards their dreams.

He avoids propelling himself into unnecessary risks.

Can you imagine yourself propelling towards success?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to be propelled by her achievements. She likes propelling others towards their goals.

We started to be propelled by our passion. We started propelling ourselves towards greatness.

He began to be propelled towards his dreams. He began propelling others to reach their potential.