To Reanchor vs Reanchoring 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 reanchor (Infinitive)

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

Example

I need to reanchor the boat to secure it in place.

Reanchoring (Gerund)

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

Example

Reanchoring requires careful navigation and precision.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reanchor (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To reanchor is essential for boating safety.

  To reanchor is essential for boating safety.

  • "*To reanchor*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for boating safety).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to reanchor the boat before we leave.

  She wants me to reanchor the boat before we leave.

  • "Me *to reanchor* the boat before we leave" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reanchor* the boat before we leave).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a stronger anchor to reanchor the boat in rough waters.

  We need a stronger anchor to reanchor the boat in rough waters.

  • "*To reanchor* the boat in rough waters" modifies the noun "anchor."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a stronger anchor *to reanchor* the boat in rough waters).

Reanchoring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Reanchoring is a common practice among experienced sailors.

  Reanchoring is a common practice among experienced sailors.

  • "*Reanchoring*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice among experienced sailors).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy reanchoring the boat after a long day of sailing.

  I enjoy reanchoring the boat after a long day of sailing.

  • "*Reanchoring* the boat after a long day of sailing" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*reanchoring* the boat after a long day of sailing).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for reanchoring boats quickly and efficiently.

  She has a talent for reanchoring boats quickly and efficiently.

  • "For *reanchoring* boats quickly and efficiently" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *reanchoring* boats quickly and efficiently).

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

They plan to reanchor the yacht at the marina tomorrow.

He hopes to reanchor the sailboat before the storm hits.

She wants to reanchor the fishing boat in a different spot.

We decided to reanchor the cruise ship closer to shore.

They agreed to reanchor the pontoon boat for safety reasons.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

He enjoys reanchoring sailboats in calm waters.

They recommend regular reanchoring to ensure boat stability.

I dislike the task of reanchoring in strong currents.

She avoids reanchoring near rocky shores.

Can you imagine yourself reanchoring a large yacht single-handedly?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

He likes to reanchor the boat before sunset. He likes reanchoring the boat before sunset.

We started to reanchor the vessel after the storm passed. We started reanchoring the vessel after the storm passed.

She began to reanchor the ship in deeper waters. She began reanchoring the ship in deeper waters.