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To Reap vs Reaping 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 reap (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to reap the rewards of my hard work.

Reaping (Gerund)

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

Example

Reaping the benefits of hard work is satisfying.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To reap (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To reap is a necessary step in the farming process.

    To reap is a necessary step in the farming process.

    • "*To reap*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a necessary step in the farming process).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to reap the benefits of this project.

    He wants me to reap the benefits of this project.

    • "Me *to reap* the benefits of this project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to reap* the benefits of this project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    They need a sickle to reap the wheat.

    They need a sickle to reap the wheat.

    • "*To reap* the wheat" modifies the noun "sickle."
    • Noun (They) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sickle *to reap* the wheat).

Reaping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Reaping the rewards motivates me to work harder.

    Reaping the rewards motivates me to work harder.

    • "*Reaping* the rewards" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (motivates) + noun phrase (me to work harder).
  • 2Object

    She enjoys reaping the fruits of her labor.

    She enjoys reaping the fruits of her labor.

    • "*Reaping* the fruits of her labor" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
    • Noun (She) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*reaping* the fruits of her labor).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    They have a talent for reaping success.

    They have a talent for reaping success.

    • "For *reaping* success" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a talent for *reaping* success).

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

We plan to reap the fruits of our labor in the future.

She hopes to reap success from her business venture.

They want to reap the benefits of their investments.

He decided to reap the rewards of his hard work.

We agreed to reap the harvest together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys reaping the benefits of his investments.

I recommend reaping the rewards of hard work.

We avoid reaping the consequences of our actions.

Can you imagine yourself reaping success in your career?

I don't mind reaping the fruits of my labor.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to reap what she sows. She likes reaping what she sows.

They started to reap the benefits of their hard work. They started reaping the benefits of their hard work.

He began to reap the rewards of his efforts. He began reaping the rewards of his efforts.

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