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To Uncharge vs Uncharging 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 uncharge (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to uncharge my phone before going out.

Uncharging (Gerund)

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

Example

Uncharging your phone can help save battery life.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To uncharge (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To uncharge your phone overnight is not recommended.

    To uncharge your phone overnight is not recommended.

    • "*To uncharge* your phone overnight" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + not + verb (recommended).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to uncharge her laptop.

    She wants me to uncharge her laptop.

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

    I need a charger to uncharge my phone.

    I need a charger to uncharge my phone.

    • "*To uncharge* my phone" modifies the noun "charger."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a charger *to uncharge* my phone).

Uncharging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Uncharging devices overnight is not recommended.

    Uncharging devices overnight is not recommended.

    • "*Uncharging* devices overnight" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + not + verb (recommended).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy uncharging my phone before bed.

    I enjoy uncharging my phone before bed.

    • "*Uncharging* my phone before bed" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*uncharging* my phone before bed).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a habit of uncharging her devices at night.

    She has a habit of uncharging her devices at night.

    • "Of *uncharging* her devices at night" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *uncharging* her devices at night).

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

We decided to uncharge our devices overnight.

He wants to uncharge his laptop before leaving the office.

They refuse to uncharge their phones during meetings.

She plans to uncharge her tablet overnight.

I attempted to uncharge my device using a different cable.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They recommend uncharging your phone when not in use.

I am considering uncharging my tablet to conserve energy.

He avoids uncharging his devices for long periods of time.

Do you mind uncharging your phone during the meeting?

Let's postpone uncharging our laptops until tomorrow.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to uncharge her devices before going to bed. She likes uncharging her devices before going to bed.

We began to uncharge our phones overnight. We began uncharging our phones overnight.

He continues to uncharge his laptop when not in use. He continues uncharging his laptop when not in use.

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