To Wield vs Wielding 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 wield (Infinitive)

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

Example

He wants to wield a sword and become a skilled swordsman.

Wielding (Gerund)

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

Example

Wielding a paintbrush, she created a beautiful masterpiece.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wield (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To wield a weapon requires strength and skill.

  To wield a weapon requires strength and skill.

  • "*To wield* a weapon" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and skill).
• 2. Object

  She wants him to wield the power responsibly.

  She wants him to wield the power responsibly.

  • "Him *to wield* the power responsibly" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (him *to wield* the power responsibly).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a strong grip to wield the hammer effectively.

  He needs a strong grip to wield the hammer effectively.

  • "*To wield* the hammer effectively" modifies the noun "grip."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a strong grip *to wield* the hammer effectively).

Wielding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Wielding a weapon requires practice and precision.

  Wielding a weapon requires practice and precision.

  • "*Wielding* a weapon" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (practice and precision).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy wielding power and making important decisions.

  I enjoy wielding power and making important decisions.

  • "*Wielding* power and making important decisions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wielding* power and making important decisions).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for wielding a paintbrush.

  She has a talent for wielding a paintbrush.

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

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
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to wield their influence to bring about positive change.

She hopes to wield the magic wand and cast powerful spells.

He wants to wield authority and make important decisions.

We decided to wield our resources wisely for maximum impact.

They agreed to wield their swords in the battle against evil.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys wielding a sword and participating in fencing competitions.

They recommend wielding power responsibly and ethically.

I dislike the idea of wielding authority without accountability.

She avoids wielding weapons and believes in peaceful resolution.

Can you imagine yourself wielding a paintbrush and creating beautiful art?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to wield a pen and write compelling stories. He likes wielding a pen and writing compelling stories.

She started to wield a hammer and learn carpentry. She started wielding a hammer and learning carpentry.

We began to wield influence and advocate for change. We began wielding influence and advocating for change.