To Undergird vs Undergirding 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 undergird (Infinitive)

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

Example

They want to undergird their argument with solid evidence.

Undergirding (Gerund)

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

Example

Undergirding their argument with solid evidence is crucial.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To undergird (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To undergird is essential for a strong foundation.

  To undergird is essential for a strong foundation.

  • "*To undergird*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for a strong foundation).
• 2. Object

  She needs me to undergird her research.

  She needs me to undergird her research.

  • "Me *to undergird* her research" is the object of the verb "needs."
  • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (me *to undergird* her research).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He bought a book to undergird his knowledge.

  He bought a book to undergird his knowledge.

  • "*To undergird* his knowledge" modifies the noun "book."
  • Noun (He) + verb (bought) + noun phrase (a book *to undergird* his knowledge).

Undergirding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Undergirding plays a vital role in building a strong case.

  Undergirding plays a vital role in building a strong case.

  • "*Undergirding*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (plays) + noun phrase (a vital role in building a strong case).
• 2. Object

  I appreciate undergirding your research with reliable sources.

  I appreciate undergirding your research with reliable sources.

  • "*Undergirding* your research with reliable sources" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
  • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (*undergirding* your research with reliable sources).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for undergirding arguments with sound logic.

  She has a passion for undergirding arguments with sound logic.

  • "For *undergirding* arguments with sound logic" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *undergirding* arguments with sound logic).

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

• agree
• choose
• demand
• plan
• wish

Example

We all agreed to undergird our proposal with relevant data.

They chose to undergird their argument with compelling examples.

The professor demands students to undergird their claims with credible sources.

She plans to undergird her presentation with thorough research.

I wish to undergird my statement with undeniable facts.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• consider
• avoid
• imagine
• mind

Example

Experts recommend undergirding your analysis with credible evidence.

They consider undergirding their claims with solid research as a priority.

He avoids undergirding his arguments with weak examples.

Can you imagine undergirding your theories with comprehensive data?

She doesn't mind undergirding her statements with relevant statistics.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

They would like to undergird their theory with empirical research. They would like undergirding their theory with empirical research.

We began to undergird our project with a solid framework. We began undergirding our project with a solid framework.

He continues to undergird his arguments with logical reasoning. He continues undergirding his arguments with logical reasoning.