To Convalesce vs Convalescing 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 convalesce (Infinitive)

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

Example

I plan to convalesce at home after my surgery.

Convalescing (Gerund)

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

Example

Convalescing requires rest and patience.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To convalesce (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To convalesce is important for a full recovery.

  To convalesce is important for a full recovery.

  • "*To convalesce*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to convalesce in peace and quiet.

  She wants me to convalesce in peace and quiet.

  • "Me *to convalesce* in peace and quiet" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to convalesce* in peace and quiet).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a comfortable bed to convalesce properly.

  I need a comfortable bed to convalesce properly.

  • "*To convalesce* properly" modifies the noun "bed."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable bed *to convalesce* properly).

Convalescing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Convalescing can be a slow process.

  Convalescing can be a slow process.

  • "*Convalescing*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a slow process).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy convalescing in the comfort of my own home.

  I enjoy convalescing in the comfort of my own home.

  • "*Convalescing* in the comfort of my own home" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*convalescing* in the comfort of my own home).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a positive attitude towards convalescing.

  She has a positive attitude towards convalescing.

  • "Towards *convalescing*" is the object of the preposition "towards."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a positive attitude towards *convalescing*).

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

• hope
• decide
• manage
• wish
• choose

Example

They hope to convalesce quickly and return to their normal routine.

We decided to convalesce at a rehabilitation center for better care.

He managed to convalesce at his friend's house during his recovery.

I wish to convalesce in a peaceful environment.

She chose to convalesce in the countryside for a change of scenery.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider
• mind

Example

Doctors recommend convalescing at home for a faster recovery.

It is important to avoid strenuous activities while convalescing.

Can you imagine yourself convalescing on a tropical island?

They are considering convalescing at a specialized rehabilitation facility.

I don't mind convalescing as long as it helps me get better.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to convalesce in a quiet and peaceful environment. She likes convalescing in a quiet and peaceful environment.

I started to convalesce after my surgery. I started convalescing after my surgery.

He began to convalesce at home under the care of his family. He began convalescing at home under the care of his family.