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To Wage vs Waging 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 wage (Infinitive)

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

Example

The government decided to wage war against the enemy.

Waging (Gerund)

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

Example

Waging war requires careful planning and execution.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wage (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To wage war is a complex decision.

    To wage war is a complex decision.

    • "*To wage* war" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a complex decision).
  • 2Object

    They want us to wage a fierce battle.

    They want us to wage a fierce battle.

    • "Us *to wage* a fierce battle" is the object of the verb "want."
    • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to wage* a fierce battle).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a weapon to wage the fight.

    He needs a weapon to wage the fight.

    • "*To wage* the fight" modifies the noun "weapon."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a weapon *to wage* the fight).

Waging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Waging war is a challenging task.

    Waging war is a challenging task.

    • "*Waging* war" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging task).
  • 2Object

    He enjoys waging battles against his opponents.

    He enjoys waging battles against his opponents.

    • "*Waging* battles against his opponents" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*waging* battles against his opponents).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for waging war on injustice.

    She has a passion for waging war on injustice.

    • "For *waging* war on injustice" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *waging* war on injustice).

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

The general plans to wage a strategic campaign.

They demanded to wage a just war.

She refused to wage any more battles.

We attempted to wage peace negotiations.

They chose to wage a defensive war.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They consider waging a diplomatic war as a better option.

Experts recommend waging a war on poverty.

He avoids waging unnecessary battles.

Can you imagine yourself waging a guerrilla war?

They resisted waging a preemptive strike.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I would like to wage a peaceful protest. I would like waging a peaceful protest.

They began to wage a social media campaign. They began waging a social media campaign.

She continues to wage a legal battle. She continues waging a legal battle.

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