To Rearrange vs Rearranging 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 rearrange (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to rearrange the furniture in my living room.

Rearranging (Gerund)

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

Example

Rearranging the furniture can give a fresh look to your home.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To rearrange (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To rearrange is a common task when moving into a new house.

  To rearrange is a common task when moving into a new house.

  • "*To rearrange*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a common task when moving into a new house).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to rearrange the books on the shelf.

  She wants me to rearrange the books on the shelf.

  • "Me *to rearrange* the books on the shelf" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to rearrange* the books on the shelf).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a larger space to rearrange my office furniture.

  I need a larger space to rearrange my office furniture.

  • "*To rearrange* my office furniture" modifies the noun "space."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a larger space *to rearrange* my office furniture).

Rearranging (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Rearranging is a creative way to redecorate your living space.

  Rearranging is a creative way to redecorate your living space.

  • "*Rearranging*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative way to redecorate your living space).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy rearranging the items on my bookshelf.

  I enjoy rearranging the items on my bookshelf.

  • "*Rearranging* the items on my bookshelf" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*rearranging* the items on my bookshelf).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a knack for rearranging furniture.

  She has a knack for rearranging furniture.

  • "For *rearranging* furniture" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *rearranging* furniture).

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 rearrange the room layout tomorrow.

They hope to rearrange their schedule for the meeting.

He wants to rearrange the decorations in the party venue.

We decided to rearrange the order of the agenda.

They agreed to rearrange the seating arrangement together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys rearranging her wardrobe every season.

They recommend regular rearranging of home decor for a fresh look.

I dislike the idea of rearranging my entire office.

He avoids rearranging the furniture in small spaces.

Can you imagine yourself rearranging the layout of your dream house?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to rearrange the furniture in her bedroom. She likes rearranging the furniture in her bedroom.

We started to rearrange the office space. We started rearranging the office space.

He began to rearrange his study area. He began rearranging his study area.