When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To forbear (Infinitive)

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

Example

I forbear from eating junk food to maintain a healthy diet.

Forbearing (Gerund)

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

Example

Forbearing is a virtue that promotes peace and harmony.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To forbear (Infinitive)

1Subject
To forbear is a sign of strength and self-control.
To forbear is a sign of strength and self-control.
- "*To forbear*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of strength and self-control).
2Object
She wants me to forbear from making any comments.
She wants me to forbear from making any comments.
- "Me *to forbear* from making any comments" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to forbear* from making any comments).
3Adjective Modifier
I need a strong willpower to forbear from giving in to temptation.
I need a strong willpower to forbear from giving in to temptation.
- "*To forbear* from giving in to temptation" modifies the noun "willpower."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong willpower *to forbear* from giving in to temptation).

Forbearing (Gerund)

1Subject
Forbearing is essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
Forbearing is essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
- "*Forbearing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential in maintaining healthy relationships).
2Object
I enjoy forbearing in difficult situations.
I enjoy forbearing in difficult situations.
- "*Forbearing* in difficult situations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*forbearing* in difficult situations).
3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for forbearing others' mistakes.
She has a talent for forbearing others' mistakes.
- "For *forbearing* others' mistakes" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *forbearing* others' mistakes).

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

We decided to forbear from taking any risks.

She plans to forbear from engaging in gossip.

He attempted to forbear from expressing his anger.

They refused to forbear from participating in the protest.

The teacher demanded to forbear from cheating during the exam.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He avoids forbearing any form of injustice.

They recommend forbearing in times of conflict.

Can you imagine forbearing in the face of adversity?

I resist forbearing any kind of discrimination.

We anticipate forbearing during challenging times.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to forbear from judging others. She likes forbearing in difficult situations.

She likes to forbear from judging others.

We started to forbear from complaining. We started forbearing in stressful situations.

We started to forbear from complaining.

He began to forbear from interrupting others. He began forbearing when others spoke.

He began to forbear from interrupting others.