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To Underlie vs Underlying 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 underlie (Infinitive)

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

Example

Understanding the principles to underlie this theory is crucial for its application.

Underlying (Gerund)

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

Example

Understanding the underlying mechanisms is essential for solving this problem.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To underlie (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To underlie is a fundamental concept in economics.

    To underlie is a fundamental concept in economics.

    • "*To underlie*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental concept in economics).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to understand the theories that underlie this research.

    He wants me to understand the theories that underlie this research.

    • "Me *to understand* the theories that *underlie* this research" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to understand* the theories that *underlie* this research).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    She needs a strong foundation to underlie her argument.

    She needs a strong foundation to underlie her argument.

    • "*To underlie* her argument" modifies the noun "foundation."
    • Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a strong foundation *to underlie* her argument).

Underlying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective prevention.

    Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective prevention.

    • "*Understanding the underlying* causes" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (crucial for effective prevention).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy discussing the underlying concepts in philosophy.

    I enjoy discussing the underlying concepts in philosophy.

    • "*Discussing the underlying* concepts in philosophy" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*discussing the underlying* concepts in philosophy).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a deep understanding of the principles underlying this theory.

    She has a deep understanding of the principles underlying this theory.

    • "Of the principles *underlying* this theory" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a deep understanding of the principles *underlying* this theory).

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 believe that certain principles underlie human behavior.

The researchers argue that cultural factors underlie language development.

We acknowledge the importance of the values that underlie our decisions.

It is important to recognize the biases that underlie our thinking.

The professor emphasizes the theories that underlie the field of psychology.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

Experts recommend understanding the underlying causes before implementing solutions.

It is important to consider the factors underlying the issue.

He avoids discussing the underlying conflicts in the team.

Can you imagine the possibilities underlying this innovation?

We appreciate the complexity underlying this problem.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She would like to underlie her argument with solid evidence. She would like underlying evidence to support her argument.

They began to underlie their strategy with thorough research. They began underlying their strategy with thorough research.

He will continue to underlie his work with a strong theoretical framework. He will continue underlying his work with a strong theoretical framework.

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