To Uncage vs Uncaging 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 uncage (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to uncage the bird and set it free.

Uncaging (Gerund)

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

Example

Uncaging the lion requires great caution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To uncage (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To uncage is a brave act of liberation.

  To uncage is a brave act of liberation.

  • "*To uncage*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a brave act of liberation).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to uncage the lion.

  She wants me to uncage the lion.

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

  We need a key to uncage the door.

  We need a key to uncage the door.

  • "*To uncage* the door" modifies the noun "key."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a key *to uncage* the door).

Uncaging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Uncaging dangerous animals can be risky.

  Uncaging dangerous animals can be risky.

  • "*Uncaging* dangerous animals" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (risky).
• 2. Object

  He enjoys uncaging wild birds.

  He enjoys uncaging wild birds.

  • "*Uncaging* wild birds" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*uncaging* wild birds).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for uncaging exotic animals.

  She has a passion for uncaging exotic animals.

  • "For *uncaging* exotic animals" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *uncaging* exotic animals).

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
• decide
• refuse
• choose

Example

They plan to uncage all the animals in the zoo.

I hope to uncage my creativity through painting.

He decided to uncage his emotions and express himself.

She refuses to uncage her feelings and keeps them hidden.

We choose to uncage our true selves and live authentically.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• imagine
• avoid
• consider

Example

They enjoy uncaging rescued animals in the sanctuary.

Experts recommend professional help when uncaging dangerous animals.

Can you imagine uncaging a lion and living with it?

He avoids uncaging animals without proper training.

We are considering uncaging the captured dolphins back into the ocean.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to uncage the birds and watch them fly. She likes uncaging the birds and watching them fly.

We started to uncage animals as a way to contribute to conservation efforts. We started uncaging animals as a way to contribute to conservation efforts.

He began to uncage the wild animals and rehabilitate them. He began uncaging the wild animals and rehabilitating them.