To Protrude vs Protruding 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 protrude (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to protrude my opinions during the meeting.

Protruding (Gerund)

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

Example

Protruding your tongue can be seen as a sign of disrespect.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To protrude (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To protrude is considered rude in some cultures.

  To protrude is considered rude in some cultures.

  • "*To protrude*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (considered rude in some cultures).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to protrude my ideas in the discussion.

  She wants me to protrude my ideas in the discussion.

  • "Me *to protrude* my ideas in the discussion" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to protrude* my ideas in the discussion).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a platform to protrude above the crowd.

  I need a platform to protrude above the crowd.

  • "*To protrude* above the crowd" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to protrude* above the crowd).

Protruding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Protruding is a common behavior in some animals.

  Protruding is a common behavior in some animals.

  • "*Protruding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common behavior in some animals).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy protruding my thoughts in public speaking engagements.

  I enjoy protruding my thoughts in public speaking engagements.

  • "*Protruding* my thoughts in public speaking engagements" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*protruding* my thoughts in public speaking engagements).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of protruding her weaknesses.

  She has a fear of protruding her weaknesses.

  • "Of *protruding* her weaknesses" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *protruding* her weaknesses).

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

He plans to protrude his achievements at the conference tomorrow.

They hope to protrude their creativity during the exhibition.

She wants to protrude her leadership skills in the project.

We decided to protrude our brand in the market.

They agreed to protrude their expertise in the workshop.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys protruding his artistic talent through sculptures.

They recommend protruding your strengths in job interviews.

I dislike the idea of protruding my personal life on social media.

She avoids protruding her insecurities in public.

Can you imagine yourself protruding your thoughts in front of a large audience?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I like to protrude my creativity in my artwork. I like protruding my creativity in my artwork.

We started to protrude our ideas in the brainstorming session. We started protruding our ideas in the brainstorming session.

He began to protrude his arguments during the debate. He began protruding his arguments during the debate.