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To Wrong vs Wronging 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 wrong (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to wrong others for my own gain.

Wronging (Gerund)

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

Example

Wronging others will only lead to negative consequences.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To wrong (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To wrong someone is morally unacceptable.

    To wrong someone is morally unacceptable.

    • "*To wrong* someone" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (morally unacceptable).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to wrong her ex-boyfriend.

    She wants me to wrong her ex-boyfriend.

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

    I need a reason to wrong someone.

    I need a reason to wrong someone.

    • "*To wrong* someone" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reason *to wrong* someone).

Wronging (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Wronging someone is morally wrong.

    Wronging someone is morally wrong.

    • "*Wronging* someone" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (morally wrong).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy wronging my opponents in the game.

    I enjoy wronging my opponents in the game.

    • "*Wronging* my opponents in the game" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*wronging* my opponents in the game).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for wronging people.

    She has a talent for wronging people.

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

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

He decided to wrong his friend for personal gain.

They refuse to wrong others for their own benefit.

I wish not to wrong anyone in my life.

She attempted to wrong her business partner, but failed.

He pretends to wrong others to fit in with his friends.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids wronging others by always being fair.

They consider wronging their competitors to gain an advantage.

Experts recommend not wronging others in any situation.

Can you imagine yourself wronging someone you care about?

I don't mind wronging those who deserve it.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to wrong people who have wronged her. She likes wronging people who have wronged her.

We began to wrong each other in the argument. We began wronging each other in the argument.

He continues to wrong others without any remorse. He continues wronging others without any remorse.

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