To Subtend vs Subtending 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 subtend (Infinitive)

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

Example

The angle subtended by the arc is 60 degrees.

Subtending (Gerund)

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

Example

Subtending the angle is a crucial step in geometry.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To subtend (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To subtend an angle of 90 degrees is impressive.

  To subtend an angle of 90 degrees is impressive.

  • "*To subtend* an angle of 90 degrees" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an angle of 90 degrees).
• 2. Object

  We want you to subtend the arc.

  We want you to subtend the arc.

  • "You *to subtend* the arc" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (We) + verb (want) + noun phrase (you *to subtend* the arc).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a protractor to subtend accurate angles.

  I need a protractor to subtend accurate angles.

  • "*To subtend* accurate angles" modifies the noun "protractor."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a protractor *to subtend* accurate angles).

Subtending (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Subtending the arc requires precision.

  Subtending the arc requires precision.

  • "*Subtending* the arc" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (precision).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy subtending angles in trigonometry.

  I enjoy subtending angles in trigonometry.

  • "*Subtending* angles in trigonometry" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*subtending* angles in trigonometry).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for subtending complex angles.

  She has a talent for subtending complex angles.

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

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to subtend a larger angle in the next experiment.

They hope to subtend the same angle as the previous measurement.

He wants to subtend a smaller angle for better accuracy.

We decided to subtend the angle using a different method.

They agreed to subtend the arc from three different points.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys subtending the angles of polygons.

They recommend subtending multiple angles for accuracy.

I dislike the process of subtending large angles.

He avoids subtending angles with inadequate tools.

Can you imagine yourself subtending angles in calculus?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to subtend angles in geometry. She likes subtending angles in geometry.

We started to subtend angles in our math class. We started subtending angles in our math class.

He began to subtend angles using a compass. He began subtending angles using a compass.