To Vilify vs Vilifying 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 vilify (Infinitive)

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

Example

He chose to vilify his opponent in order to gain an advantage.

Vilifying (Gerund)

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

Example

Vilifying others only leads to more negativity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To vilify (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To vilify is not a constructive way to solve problems.

  To vilify is not a constructive way to solve problems.

  • "*To vilify*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not a constructive way to solve problems).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to vilify her ex-boyfriend.

  She wants me to vilify her ex-boyfriend.

  • "Me *to vilify* her ex-boyfriend" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to vilify* her ex-boyfriend).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need evidence to vilify his character.

  I need evidence to vilify his character.

  • "*To vilify* his character" modifies the noun "evidence."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (evidence *to vilify* his character).

Vilifying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Vilifying people based on their appearance is wrong.

  Vilifying people based on their appearance is wrong.

  • "*Vilifying* people based on their appearance" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (wrong).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy vilifying my enemies in my mind.

  I enjoy vilifying my enemies in my mind.

  • "*Vilifying* my enemies in my mind" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*vilifying* my enemies in my mind).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for vilifying others.

  She has a talent for vilifying others.

  • "For *vilifying* others" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *vilifying* others).

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

• refuse
• demand
• seem
• wish
• pretend

Example

They refuse to vilify their opponents during the campaign.

He demanded his supporters to vilify his rival.

It seems unfair to vilify someone without evidence.

She wished to vilify her critics in her speech.

They pretend to vilify each other for the sake of their fans.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• imagine
• discuss

Example

He avoids vilifying his opponents in public debates.

They recommend against vilifying individuals based on their beliefs.

I am considering vilifying their actions in my article.

Can you imagine yourself vilifying someone you disagree with?

Let's discuss the consequences of vilifying others in the media.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to vilify her rivals in the political arena. She likes vilifying her rivals in the political arena.

He began to vilify his opponents during the campaign. He began vilifying his opponents during the campaign.

They continue to vilify each other on social media. They continue vilifying each other on social media.