To Unwill vs Unwilling 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 unwill (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to unwill my decision to pursue my dreams.

Unwilling (Gerund)

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

Example

Unwilling is not how I want to be perceived.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To unwill (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To unwill is not an option for me.

  To unwill is not an option for me.

  • "*To unwill*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not an option for me).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to unwill my previous agreement.

  She wants me to unwill my previous agreement.

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

  I need a strong reason to unwill my current plan.

  I need a strong reason to unwill my current plan.

  • "*To unwill* my current plan" modifies the noun "reason."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong reason *to unwill* my current plan).

Unwilling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Unwilling is not a characteristic I admire.

  Unwilling is not a characteristic I admire.

  • "*Unwilling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a characteristic I admire).
• 2. Object

  I dislike unwilling attitudes in the workplace.

  I dislike unwilling attitudes in the workplace.

  • "*Unwilling* attitudes in the workplace" is the object of the verb "dislike."
  • Noun (I) + verb (dislike) + gerund (*unwilling* attitudes in the workplace).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a fear of unwilling compromises.

  She has a fear of unwilling compromises.

  • "Of *unwilling* compromises" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *unwilling* compromises).

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
• demand
• refuse
• attempt
• wish

Example

She plans to unwill her decision to move abroad.

They demand to unwill the contract due to unforeseen circumstances.

He refuses to unwill his commitment to the project.

We attempted to unwill our mistake by offering an apology.

They wish to unwill their past actions.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• mind
• postpone
• imagine

Example

She avoids unwilling participation in activities she dislikes.

They are considering unwilling sacrifices for the greater good.

I don't mind unwilling cooperation if it leads to success.

He postponed unwilling decisions until further information is available.

Can you imagine yourself unwilling to compromise your principles?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• refuse
• decide
• want

Example

She refuses to unwill her intentions. She refuses unwilling compromises.

We decided to unwill our previous agreement. We decided on unwilling cooperation.

He wants to unwill his involvement in the project. He wants to avoid unwilling compromises.