To Subvert vs Subverting 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 subvert (Infinitive)

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

Example

The rebels planned to subvert the government.

Subverting (Gerund)

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

Example

Subverting the established norms can lead to social change.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To subvert (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To subvert is a dangerous act of rebellion.

  To subvert is a dangerous act of rebellion.

  • "*To subvert*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a dangerous act of rebellion).
• 2. Object

  They want us to subvert the established order.

  They want us to subvert the established order.

  • "Us *to subvert* the established order" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to subvert* the established order).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a strategy to subvert the system.

  He needs a strategy to subvert the system.

  • "*To subvert* the system" modifies the noun "strategy."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a strategy *to subvert* the system).

Subverting (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Subverting the rules is not always a bad thing.

  Subverting the rules is not always a bad thing.

  • "*Subverting* the rules" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not always a bad thing).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy subverting traditional expectations.

  I enjoy subverting traditional expectations.

  • "*Subverting* traditional expectations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*subverting* traditional expectations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  They were accused of subverting the democratic process.

  They were accused of subverting the democratic process.

  • "*Subverting* the democratic process" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (They) + verb (were accused of) + noun phrase (*subverting* the democratic process).

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
• decide
• refuse
• attempt
• pretend

Example

They plan to subvert the authority and gain control.

We decided to subvert the oppressive regime.

She refused to subvert her principles for personal gain.

He attempted to subvert the election process.

They pretended to subvert the mission to confuse the enemy.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• resist
• understand

Example

He avoids subverting the established norms of society.

She considered subverting the rules to achieve her goals.

They recommend subverting outdated practices for progress.

We must resist subverting the principles of justice.

It is important to understand the consequences of subverting the system.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to subvert authority and challenge the status quo. She likes subverting authority and challenging the status quo.

We started to subvert the oppressive regime. We started subverting the oppressive regime.

He began to subvert the existing power structures. He began subverting the existing power structures.