When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To proscribe (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to proscribe" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
The government decided to proscribe the use of plastic bags.
Proscribing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "proscribing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Proscribing harmful substances is essential for public health.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To proscribe (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To proscribe is an effective way to discourage harmful behaviors.
To proscribe is an effective way to discourage harmful behaviors.
- "*To proscribe*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an effective way to discourage harmful behaviors).
- 2Object
They want us to proscribe the sale of counterfeit products.
They want us to proscribe the sale of counterfeit products.
- "Us *to proscribe* the sale of counterfeit products" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to proscribe* the sale of counterfeit products).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need stricter laws to proscribe unethical business practices.
We need stricter laws to proscribe unethical business practices.
- "*To proscribe* unethical business practices" modifies the noun "laws."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (stricter laws *to proscribe* unethical business practices).
Proscribing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Proscribing discrimination in all forms is a crucial step towards equality.
Proscribing discrimination in all forms is a crucial step towards equality.
- "*Proscribing* discrimination in all forms" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a crucial step towards equality).
- 2Object
She enjoys proscribing fraudulent activities.
She enjoys proscribing fraudulent activities.
- "*Proscribing* fraudulent activities" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*proscribing* fraudulent activities).
- 3Object of Preposition
They are committed to proscribing animal cruelty.
They are committed to proscribing animal cruelty.
- "*Proscribing* animal cruelty" is the object of the preposition "to."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (are committed to) + noun phrase (*proscribing* animal cruelty).
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 proscribe the use of single-use plastics.
The protesters demand the government to proscribe discriminatory policies.
They refuse to proscribe the use of pesticides in organic farming.
The committee determined to proscribe hate speech online.
I wish to proscribe unfair labor practices.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
Experts recommend proscribing the use of harmful chemicals in household products.
They are considering proscribing the sale of tobacco products.
To protect the environment, it is important to avoid proscribing sustainable practices.
It is necessary to understand the consequences of proscribing certain activities.
The stakeholders will discuss proscribing the use of certain pesticides.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to proscribe the use of harmful additives in food. I would like proscribing unethical business practices.
We should begin to proscribe the production of single-use plastics. We should begin proscribing discriminatory policies.
They will continue to proscribe the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. They will continue proscribing harmful substances.
