To Signify vs Signifying 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 signify (Infinitive)

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

Example

He promised to signify his agreement by signing the contract.

Signifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Signifying your intentions can prevent misunderstandings.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To signify (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To signify is an important aspect of communication.

  To signify is an important aspect of communication.

  • "*To signify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important aspect of communication).
• 2. Object

  She wants him to signify his approval.

  She wants him to signify his approval.

  • "Him *to signify* his approval" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to signify* his approval).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  They need a symbol to signify their unity.

  They need a symbol to signify their unity.

  • "*To signify* their unity" modifies the noun "symbol."
  • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a symbol *to signify* their unity).

Signifying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Signifying is a common practice in many cultures.

  Signifying is a common practice in many cultures.

  • "*Signifying*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in many cultures).
• 2. Object

  He enjoys signifying his emotions through art.

  He enjoys signifying his emotions through art.

  • "*Signifying* his emotions through art" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*signifying* his emotions through art).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They have a knack for signifying their intentions.

  They have a knack for signifying their intentions.

  • "For *signifying* their intentions" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a knack for *signifying* their intentions).

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

• agree
• promise
• hope
• decide
• want

Example

They agreed to signify their commitment by exchanging rings.

He promised to signify his support by attending the event.

We hope to signify our gratitude by sending a thank-you note.

She decided to signify her decision by wearing a specific color.

I want to signify my loyalty by joining the team.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• finish
• suggest
• mind
• consider

Example

She avoids signifying her true feelings to avoid conflict.

He finished signifying his approval with a signature.

They suggest signifying your agreement in writing.

I don't mind signifying my consent by email.

We are considering signifying our support through a donation.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to signify her presence by wearing bright colors. She likes signifying her presence by wearing bright colors.

He began to signify his authority by issuing directives. He began signifying his authority by issuing directives.

They continue to signify their alliance through joint projects. They continue signifying their alliance through joint projects.