To Underpin vs Underpinning 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 underpin (Infinitive)

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

Example

We need to underpin our argument with strong evidence.

Underpinning (Gerund)

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

Example

Underpinning their argument with evidence is crucial for their credibility.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To underpin (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To underpin the theory, researchers conducted a series of experiments.

  To underpin the theory, researchers conducted a series of experiments.

  • "*To underpin* the theory" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (conducted) + noun phrase (a series of experiments).
• 2. Object

  They want us to underpin their proposal.

  They want us to underpin their proposal.

  • "Us *to underpin* their proposal" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to underpin* their proposal).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a solid foundation to underpin our argument.

  We need a solid foundation to underpin our argument.

  • "*To underpin* our argument" modifies the noun "foundation."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a solid foundation *to underpin* our argument).

Underpinning (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Underpinning their theory with strong evidence, they presented their findings.

  Underpinning their theory with strong evidence, they presented their findings.

  • "*Underpinning* their theory" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (presented) + noun phrase (their findings).
• 2. Object

  I appreciate underpinning your argument with relevant examples.

  I appreciate underpinning your argument with relevant examples.

  • "*Underpinning* your argument with relevant examples" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
  • Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (*underpinning* your argument with relevant examples).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He focused on the importance of underpinning their claims.

  He focused on the importance of underpinning their claims.

  • "Of *underpinning* their claims" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (focused) + noun phrase (the importance of *underpinning* their claims).

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
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to underpin their findings with additional research.

I hope to underpin my hypothesis with empirical data.

She wants to underpin her statement with credible sources.

He decided to underpin his argument with logical reasoning.

We agreed to underpin our conclusions with statistical analysis.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• consider
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• resist

Example

They consider underpinning their research with theoretical frameworks.

Experts recommend thorough underpinning of arguments in academic writing.

We should avoid underpinning our conclusions with biased sources.

Imagine the impact of underpinning your ideas with real-life examples.

He resisted underpinning his claims with anecdotal evidence.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

I would like to underpin my argument with solid facts. I would like underpinning my argument with solid facts.

She started to underpin her research with a comprehensive literature review. She started underpinning her research with a comprehensive literature review.

We began to underpin our study with a clear research question. We began underpinning our study with a clear research question.