To Rappel vs Rappelling 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 rappel (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rappel down the cliff to experience the thrill.

Rappelling (Gerund)

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

Example

Rappelling is an exhilarating adventure sport.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rappel (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To rappel requires skill and concentration.

  To rappel requires skill and concentration.

  • "*To rappel*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and concentration).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to rappel with her.

  She wants me to rappel with her.

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

  I need a sturdy rope to rappel safely.

  I need a sturdy rope to rappel safely.

  • "*To rappel* safely" modifies the noun "rope."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sturdy rope *to rappel* safely).

Rappelling (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Rappelling requires strength and courage.

  Rappelling requires strength and courage.

  • "*Rappelling*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (strength and courage).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy rappelling from high cliffs.

  I enjoy rappelling from high cliffs.

  • "*Rappelling* from high cliffs" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rappelling* from high cliffs).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for rappelling in challenging terrains.

  She has a passion for rappelling in challenging terrains.

  • "For *rappelling* in challenging terrains" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *rappelling* in challenging terrains).

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 rappel down the waterfall tomorrow.

They hope to rappel in the mountains during their vacation.

He wants to rappel off the skyscraper.

We decided to rappel at the canyon this weekend.

They agreed to rappel together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys rappelling in the wilderness every weekend.

They recommend regular rappelling for adrenaline junkies.

I dislike the idea of rappelling in strong winds.

He avoids rappelling in risky conditions.

Can you imagine yourself rappelling down a waterfall?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to rappel from tall buildings. She likes rappelling from tall buildings.

We started to rappel in the mountains. We started rappelling in the mountains.

He began to rappel professionally. He began rappelling professionally.