To Withstand vs Withstanding 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 withstand (Infinitive)

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

Example

I will do my best to withstand the pressure.

Withstanding (Gerund)

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

Example

Withstanding adversity builds character.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To withstand (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To withstand is a challenge that requires strength and resilience.

  To withstand is a challenge that requires strength and resilience.

  • "*To withstand*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenge that requires strength and resilience).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to withstand the test of time.

  She wants me to withstand the test of time.

  • "Me *to withstand* the test of time" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to withstand* the test of time).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a strong foundation to withstand earthquakes.

  I need a strong foundation to withstand earthquakes.

  • "*To withstand* earthquakes" modifies the noun "foundation."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong foundation *to withstand* earthquakes).

Withstanding (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Withstanding challenges can lead to personal growth.

  Withstanding challenges can lead to personal growth.

  • "*Withstanding* challenges" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (personal growth).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy withstanding difficult situations.

  I enjoy withstanding difficult situations.

  • "*Withstanding* difficult situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*withstanding* difficult situations).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for withstanding pressure.

  She has a talent for withstanding pressure.

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

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

She plans to withstand the challenges ahead.

They hope to withstand the storm without any damage.

He wants to withstand the competition and come out on top.

We decided to withstand the criticism and stay true to our values.

They agreed to withstand the pressure together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys withstanding the challenges of her job.

They recommend regular exercise for withstanding stress.

I dislike the idea of withstanding extreme temperatures.

He avoids situations that require withstanding physical pain.

Can you imagine yourself withstanding a difficult situation?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to withstand extreme weather conditions. She likes withstanding extreme weather conditions.

We started to withstand the challenges of the new project. We started withstanding the challenges of the new project.

He began to withstand the pressures of his demanding job. He began withstanding the pressures of his demanding job.