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To Support vs Supporting 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 support (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to support my friend in her new business venture.

Supporting (Gerund)

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

Example

Supporting others can bring a sense of fulfillment.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To support (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To support is important in any relationship.

    To support is important in any relationship.

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

    She wants me to support her decision.

    She wants me to support her decision.

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

    I need a sturdy chair to support my weight.

    I need a sturdy chair to support my weight.

    • "*To support* my weight" modifies the noun "chair."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy chair *to support* my weight).

Supporting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Supporting your loved ones is important.

    Supporting your loved ones is important.

    • "*Supporting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy supporting local businesses.

    I enjoy supporting local businesses.

    • "*Supporting* local businesses" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*supporting* local businesses).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for supporting charitable causes.

    She has a passion for supporting charitable causes.

    • "For *supporting* charitable causes" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *supporting* charitable causes).

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 agreed to support the cause financially.

He promised to support her no matter what.

We decided to support the charity event.

She hopes to support her team in the championship.

I wish to support you in your endeavors.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys supporting his friends in their endeavors.

They recommend supporting local farmers for sustainable food production.

I avoid supporting companies with unethical practices.

She is considering supporting the proposal.

Do you mind supporting me in this project?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

They like to support each other in their goals. They like supporting each other in their goals.

We began to support the community through volunteering. We began supporting the community through volunteering.

He continues to support his favorite sports team. He continues supporting his favorite sports team.

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