To Squelch vs Squelching 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 squelch (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to squelch the rumors before they spread further.

Squelching (Gerund)

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

Example

Squelching rumors can be challenging in the age of social media.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To squelch (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To squelch rumors is important to maintain a positive reputation.

  To squelch rumors is important to maintain a positive reputation.

  • "*To squelch* rumors" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important to maintain a positive reputation).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to squelch the gossip about her.

  She wants me to squelch the gossip about her.

  • "Me *to squelch* the gossip about her" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to squelch* the gossip about her).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strategy to squelch any negative comments.

  I need a strategy to squelch any negative comments.

  • "*To squelch* any negative comments" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to squelch* any negative comments).

Squelching (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Squelching rumors requires constant vigilance.

  Squelching rumors requires constant vigilance.

  • "*Squelching* rumors" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (constant vigilance).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy squelching false claims and setting the record straight.

  I enjoy squelching false claims and setting the record straight.

  • "*Squelching* false claims and setting the record straight" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*squelching* false claims and setting the record straight).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for squelching rumors.

  She has a talent for squelching rumors.

  • "For *squelching* rumors" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *squelching* rumors).

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
• hope
• refuse
• attempt
• determine

Example

We decided to squelch the false information immediately.

They hope to squelch the rumors before they damage their reputation.

He refused to squelch the speculation about his personal life.

She attempted to squelch the rumors, but they continued to spread.

We determined to squelch any misinformation that might arise.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• understand
• consider
• discuss

Example

They recommend actively squelching any false information.

He avoids squelching rumors by maintaining open communication.

I understand the importance of squelching gossip in a professional setting.

She considers squelching baseless accusations as part of her job.

We often discuss strategies for squelching rumors effectively.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to squelch unfounded rumors. She likes squelching unfounded rumors.

We started to squelch the spread of misinformation. We started squelching the spread of misinformation.

He began to squelch the false reports immediately. He began squelching the false reports immediately.