To Shun vs Shunning 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 shun (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to shun toxic relationships and surround myself with positive people.

Shunning (Gerund)

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

Example

Shunning toxic people can lead to a happier and healthier life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To shun (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To shun negativity is important for personal growth.

  To shun negativity is important for personal growth.

  • "*To shun* negativity" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for personal growth).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to shun bad influences.

  She wants me to shun bad influences.

  • "Me *to shun* bad influences" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to shun* bad influences).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a peaceful environment to shun distractions.

  I need a peaceful environment to shun distractions.

  • "*To shun* distractions" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a peaceful environment *to shun* distractions).

Shunning (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Shunning negativity is essential for personal well-being.

  Shunning negativity is essential for personal well-being.

  • "*Shunning* negativity" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for personal well-being).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy shunning drama and surrounding myself with positivity.

  I enjoy shunning drama and surrounding myself with positivity.

  • "*Shunning* drama and surrounding myself with positivity" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*shunning* drama and surrounding myself with positivity).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of shunning confrontations.

  She has a habit of shunning confrontations.

  • "Of *shunning* confrontations" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *shunning* confrontations).

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

• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• determine
• learn

Example

They decided to shun negative thoughts and focus on positivity.

He refuses to shun his responsibilities and faces the consequences.

She attempted to shun social media for a month.

We determined to shun gossip and rumors.

I learned to shun self-doubt and believe in myself.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• discuss

Example

He avoids shunning negative people and situations.

They consider shunning toxic relationships for their mental well-being.

I recommend shunning gossip and focusing on personal growth.

Do you mind shunning negativity and embracing positivity?

Let's discuss the benefits of shunning toxic influences.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• stop

Example

She likes to shun drama in her life. She likes shunning drama in her life.

We began to shun negative thoughts. We began shunning negative thoughts.

He stopped to shun toxic relationships. He stopped shunning toxic relationships.