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To Slight vs Slighting Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To slight (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to slight anyone's efforts.

Slighting (Gerund)

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

Example

Slighting others is hurtful and rude.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To slight (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To slight others is disrespectful.

    To slight others is disrespectful.

    • "*To slight* others" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (disrespectful).
  • 2Object

    She doesn't want me to slight her ideas.

    She doesn't want me to slight her ideas.

    • "Me *to slight* her ideas" is the object of the verb "doesn't want."
    • Noun (She) + verb (doesn't want) + noun phrase (me *to slight* her ideas).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a reason to slight someone.

    He needs a reason to slight someone.

    • "*To slight* someone" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a reason *to slight* someone).

Slighting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Slighting someone can damage relationships.

    Slighting someone can damage relationships.

    • "*Slighting* someone" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (damage relationships).
  • 2Object

    I regret slighting her feelings.

    I regret slighting her feelings.

    • "*Slighting* her feelings" is the object of the verb "regret."
    • Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*slighting* her feelings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He was accused of slighting his colleagues.

    He was accused of slighting his colleagues.

    • "*Slighting* his colleagues" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (was accused of) + gerund (*slighting* his colleagues).

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

They refuse to slight their opponents.

We plan to slight no one in our presentation.

I hope not to slight anyone with my comments.

She decided to slight no one at the event.

He attempted to slight his critics in his speech.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She avoids slighting others by being considerate.

Do you mind slighting someone's achievements?

They are considering slighting the proposal.

Experts recommend not slighting others in professional settings.

He couldn't resist slighting his opponent during the debate.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to slight my competition. I don't like slighting others.

She started to slight her coworkers. He started slighting people's opinions.

We began to slight each other's achievements. They began slighting the new employee.

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