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To Unleash vs Unleashing 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 unleash (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to unleash my creativity and explore new ideas.

Unleashing (Gerund)

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

Example

Unleashing your creativity can lead to amazing results.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unleash (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To unleash one's potential is a fulfilling experience.

    To unleash one's potential is a fulfilling experience.

    • "*To unleash*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fulfilling experience).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to unleash my artistic skills.

    She wants me to unleash my artistic skills.

    • "Me *to unleash* my artistic skills" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to unleash* my artistic skills).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a platform to unleash our creativity.

    We need a platform to unleash our creativity.

    • "*To unleash* our creativity" modifies the noun "platform."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to unleash* our creativity).

Unleashing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Unleashing your potential is key to personal growth.

    Unleashing your potential is key to personal growth.

    • "*Unleashing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (key to personal growth).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy unleashing my imagination through writing.

    I enjoy unleashing my imagination through writing.

    • "*Unleashing* my imagination through writing" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*unleashing* my imagination through writing).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a passion for unleashing their creativity.

    They have a passion for unleashing their creativity.

    • "For *unleashing* their creativity" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a passion for *unleashing* their creativity).

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 plan to unleash their new product next month.

He hopes to unleash his potential in the upcoming project.

She wants to unleash her inner artist through painting.

We decided to unleash our marketing campaign on social media.

They agreed to unleash their innovative ideas for the company.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys unleashing her energy through dancing.

Experts recommend regular unleashing of creativity for personal development.

I dislike the idea of unleashing chaos in the workplace.

He avoids unleashing his anger in public.

Can you imagine the possibilities of unleashing your full potential?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to unleash my creativity through photography. I would like unleashing my creativity through photography.

They started to unleash their innovative ideas in the meeting. They started unleashing their innovative ideas in the meeting.

She began to unleash her artistic talents at a young age. She began unleashing her artistic talents at a young age.

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