When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To risk (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to risk" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to risk getting caught.
Risking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "risking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Risking failure is necessary for growth.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To risk (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To risk is a part of life.
To risk is a part of life.
- "*To risk*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a part of life).
- 2Object
She doesn't want me to risk my safety.
She doesn't want me to risk my safety.
- "Me *to risk* my safety" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
- Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to risk* my safety).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a helmet to risk injury.
He needs a helmet to risk injury.
- "*To risk* injury" modifies the noun "helmet."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a helmet *to risk* injury).
Risking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Risking failure can lead to great success.
Risking failure can lead to great success.
- "*Risking* failure" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (great success).
- 2Object
I enjoy risking my life for thrilling adventures.
I enjoy risking my life for thrilling adventures.
- "*Risking* my life for thrilling adventures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*risking* my life for thrilling adventures).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have no fear of risking everything.
They have no fear of risking everything.
- "Of *risking* everything" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (no fear of *risking* everything).
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
I decided to risk taking the job.
They attempted to risk climbing the mountain without proper gear.
She refused to risk her reputation by associating with him.
We choose to risk it all for a chance at success.
He demanded to risk everything for his beliefs.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids risking his health by eating a balanced diet.
She is considering risking her savings for a business venture.
Experts recommend risking small amounts in investments.
I don't mind risking a little to achieve my goals.
We understand the importance of risking failure for innovation.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like to risk their money in the stock market. They like risking their money in the stock market.
He began to risk his life for the sake of others. He began risking his life for the sake of others.
She continues to risk her reputation for speaking the truth. She continues risking her reputation for speaking the truth.
