When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To proselytize (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to proselytize" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to proselytize to spread my beliefs.
Proselytizing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "proselytizing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Proselytizing can be seen as an attempt to convert others to one's own beliefs.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To proselytize (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To proselytize is an important aspect of many religions.
To proselytize is an important aspect of many religions.
- "*To proselytize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important aspect of many religions).
- 2Object
She wants me to proselytize in her community.
She wants me to proselytize in her community.
- "Me *to proselytize* in her community" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to proselytize* in her community).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a platform to proselytize my ideas.
I need a platform to proselytize my ideas.
- "*To proselytize* my ideas" modifies the noun "platform."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to proselytize* my ideas).
Proselytizing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Proselytizing is a common practice in some religious communities.
Proselytizing is a common practice in some religious communities.
- "*Proselytizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in some religious communities).
- 2Object
I enjoy proselytizing to people who are open to hearing new ideas.
I enjoy proselytizing to people who are open to hearing new ideas.
- "*Proselytizing* to people who are open to hearing new ideas" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*proselytizing* to people who are open to hearing new ideas).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for proselytizing her beliefs.
She has a passion for proselytizing her beliefs.
- "For *proselytizing* her beliefs" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *proselytizing* her beliefs).
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 proselytize in different cities next month.
They hope to proselytize their message to a larger audience.
She wants to proselytize her beliefs to everyone she meets.
We decided to proselytize in remote areas where there is less exposure to our beliefs.
They agreed to proselytize together in order to have a stronger impact.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys proselytizing at community events.
They recommend proselytizing with empathy and respect for others' beliefs.
I dislike the idea of proselytizing aggressively or forcefully.
She avoids proselytizing in situations where it may cause discomfort or conflict.
Can you imagine yourself proselytizing in a foreign country?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
He likes to proselytize in public spaces. He likes proselytizing in public spaces.
They started to proselytize after a life-changing experience. They started proselytizing after a life-changing experience.
She began to proselytize when she was just a teenager. She began proselytizing when she was just a teenager.
