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To Upset vs Upsetting 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 upset (Infinitive)

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

Example

I don't want to upset anyone with my comments.

Upsetting (Gerund)

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

Example

Upsetting others is not something I enjoy.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To upset (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To upset is not my intention.

    To upset is not my intention.

    • "*To upset*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not my intention).
  • 2Object

    She doesn't like me to upset her.

    She doesn't like me to upset her.

    • "Me *to upset* her" is the object of the verb "doesn't like."
    • Noun (She) + verb (doesn't like) + noun phrase (me *to upset* her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a solution to upset the balance of power.

    He needs a solution to upset the balance of power.

    • "*To upset* the balance of power" modifies the noun "solution."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a solution *to upset* the balance of power).

Upsetting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Upsetting others is not advisable.

    Upsetting others is not advisable.

    • "*Upsetting* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not advisable).
  • 2Object

    They dislike my habit of upsetting people.

    They dislike my habit of upsetting people.

    • "My habit of *upsetting* people" is the object of the verb "dislike."
    • Noun (They) + verb (dislike) + gerund (my habit of *upsetting* people).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He apologized for upsetting her.

    He apologized for upsetting her.

    • "For *upsetting* her" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (apologized) + noun phrase (for *upsetting* her).

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 upset their opponents in the upcoming game.

I hope to upset the current rankings in the competition.

We want to upset the status quo and bring about change.

She decided to upset the established norms and challenge tradition.

He refused to upset the delicate balance of the negotiations.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

I try to avoid upsetting others with my words.

Do you mind me upsetting the balance?

They consider it rude upsetting the guests.

Experts recommend avoiding upsetting situations.

Can you imagine upsetting your best friend?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She doesn't like to upset people with her criticism. She doesn't like upsetting people with her criticism.

He started to upset the balance of power. He started upsetting the balance of power.

They began to upset the established order. They began upsetting the established order.

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