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 refuse to withstand the pressure and will not give up.
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 the criticism, she continued to pursue her dreams.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To withstand (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To withstand such extreme conditions requires great strength and resilience.
To withstand such extreme conditions requires great strength and resilience.
- "*To withstand*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (great strength and resilience).
- 2Object
He wants me to withstand the challenges and come out stronger.
He wants me to withstand the challenges and come out stronger.
- "Me *to withstand* the challenges and come out stronger" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to withstand* the challenges and come out stronger).
- 3Adjective Modifier
They need a sturdy material to withstand high temperatures.
They need a sturdy material to withstand high temperatures.
- "*To withstand* high temperatures" modifies the noun "material."
- Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy material *to withstand* high temperatures).
Withstanding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Withstanding criticism can be challenging but rewarding.
Withstanding criticism can be challenging but rewarding.
- "*Withstanding* criticism" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (challenging but rewarding).
- 2Object
I appreciate his courage in withstanding the pressure.
I appreciate his courage in withstanding the pressure.
- "His courage in *withstanding* the pressure" is the object of the verb "appreciate."
- Noun (I) + verb (appreciate) + gerund (his courage in *withstanding* the pressure).
- 3Object of Preposition
She succeeded in her career by withstanding the challenges.
She succeeded in her career by withstanding the challenges.
- "*Withstanding* the challenges" is the object of the preposition "by."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (succeeded) + preposition (by) + gerund (*withstanding* the challenges).
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
She plans to withstand the rigorous training for the marathon.
I refuse to withstand any form of discrimination.
They chose to withstand the hardships of starting their own business.
We determined to withstand the storm and protect our home.
He struggles to withstand the temptations of unhealthy food.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids withstanding conflicts and seeks peaceful resolutions.
She resisted withstanding the temptation to quit when things got tough.
They are considering withstanding the criticism and staying true to their beliefs.
Experts recommend regular exercise for withstanding stress and improving mental health.
It's important to understand the benefits of withstanding adversity and growing stronger.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to withstand challenges and prove herself. She likes withstanding challenges and proving herself.
We started to withstand the intense training regimen. We started withstanding the intense training regimen.
He began to withstand the pressure with determination. He began withstanding the pressure with determination.
