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To Spurn vs Spurning 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 spurn (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to spurn his offer because it's a great opportunity.

Spurning (Gerund)

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

Example

Spurning his advances was a wise decision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To spurn (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To spurn is considered rude in some cultures.

    To spurn is considered rude in some cultures.

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

    She wants me to spurn his proposal.

    She wants me to spurn his proposal.

    • "Me *to spurn* his proposal" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to spurn* his proposal).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reason to spurn his advances.

    I need a reason to spurn his advances.

    • "*To spurn* his advances" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to spurn* his advances).

Spurning (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Spurning his advice was the right thing to do.

    Spurning his advice was the right thing to do.

    • "*Spurning* his advice" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (was) + noun phrase (the right thing to do).
  • 2Object

    I regret spurning his offer.

    I regret spurning his offer.

    • "*Spurning* his offer" is the object of the verb "regret."
    • Noun (I) + verb (regret) + gerund (*spurning* his offer).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has no interest in spurning his advances.

    She has no interest in spurning his advances.

    • "In *spurning* his advances" is the object of the preposition "in."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (no interest in *spurning* his advances).

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

He refuses to spurn their invitation.

They reject his offer and choose to spurn it.

We deny his request and decide to spurn it.

She deserves better treatment and doesn't have to spurn it.

They attempt to spurn his proposal but fail.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids spurning their suggestions.

They consider spurning his invitation as disrespectful.

I don't mind spurning his offers.

Can you imagine spurning such a generous offer?

She can't resist spurning his advances.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They refuse to spurn his proposal. They refuse spurning his proposal.

He denies to spurn their request. He denies spurning their request.

We regret to spurn their offer. We regret spurning their offer.

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