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To Unbear vs Unbearing 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 unbear (Infinitive)

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

Example

I can't bear to unbear the pain anymore.

Unbearing (Gerund)

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

Example

Unbearing the pain is a daily challenge.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unbear (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To unbear the truth is difficult for some people.

    To unbear the truth is difficult for some people.

    • "*To unbear* the truth" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (difficult for some people).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to unbear the burden.

    She wants me to unbear the burden.

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

    I need a solution to unbear this pain.

    I need a solution to unbear this pain.

    • "*To unbear* this pain" modifies the noun "solution."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solution *to unbear* this pain).

Unbearing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Unbearing the truth is a difficult task.

    Unbearing the truth is a difficult task.

    • "*Unbearing* the truth" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult task).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy unbearing the burden.

    I enjoy unbearing the burden.

    • "*Unbearing* the burden" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*unbearing* the burden).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for unbearing pain.

    She has a talent for unbearing pain.

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

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 unbear the truth.

She pretends to unbear the responsibility.

I wish to unbear this burden.

They demand to unbear the consequences.

We struggle to unbear the weight of expectations.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids unbearing emotional pain.

They recommend regular unbearing for personal growth.

I am considering unbearing the consequences.

Let's postpone unbearing the burden until tomorrow.

Do you mind unbearing the discomfort?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to unbear the truth. She likes unbearing the truth.

We began to unbear the pain together. We began unbearing the pain together.

He continues to unbear the hardship. He continues unbearing the hardship.

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